["Koombana Strike", The Hedland Advocate (Port Hedland, WA), Saturday 02 December 1911, p?]
The Koombana Strike
Perth, November 23.
There are no noteworthy developments in connection with the Koombana dispute.
Three more men have been secured for the stoke-hold, which brings the firemen up to seven, exclusive of two who are absent without leave. Seven more men are still required.
It is anticipated that finality will be reached today, and a definite announcement of time of departure made tomorrow.
Perth, November 24.
The Koombana is still short of firemen, and is berthed at the river buoy.
A telegram has been received from the General Secretary of the Seamen's and Firemen's Union in the Eastern States t the effect that a number of firemen are arriving by the mail steamer on Monday, and that they are being sent at the expense of the Union.
Men Still Refuse To Work
Persecution of Chief Steward
Who Collapses
Perth, November 26.
The General Manager in this State of the Adelaide Steamship Coy. yesterday urged the recalcitrant firemen off the Koombana to take a more reasonable view of the position.
He pointed out that the dismissal of the Chief Steward without inquiring into the complaints against him would be persecution.
The facts that the men were flouting the instructions of their own union and were inflicting harm on the residents of the North West were also impressed upon them.
They still refused to sign on, and the six firemen who were willing to proceed with the vessel earlier in the week also withdrew their pledge.
The Chief Steward (Johnson) collapsed in the Adelaide Steamship Coy.'s office, and was removed to a private hospital.
Men Engaged In Melbourne
Accompanied by Union Officials
Perth, November 28.
The Adelaide Steamship Coy. has received a telegram intimating that a full compliment[sic] of firemen have been engaged in Melbourne to man the Koombana. They left Adelaide by the Riverina, accompanied by two representatives of the executive of the Union, to see that no hitch occurs with the men after reaching Fremantle.
In consequence of the action, it now appears there is no doubt of the Koombana leaving for the North West on Thursday.
The Vessel Leaves
Perth, November 30.
There has been a satisfactory termination to the Koombana trouble, permitting the vessel to sail to-day.
The new crew (in charge of the executive officers of the Seamen's and Fremen's[sic] Union) arrived by the Riverina last night, and immediately signed on.
The Chief Steward, who was suddenly seized with illness, has sufficiently recovered to proceed with the vessel.
Premier Suggests Go-Ment Action
Perth, November 30.
In the Legislative Assembly yesterday Premier Scaddan said, in reply to representations from the members for Gascoyne and Roebourne regarding the seriousness of the position affecting the North West, said the Government has placed the matter before the Commonwealth Government and the parties concerned with a view to the immediate despatch of a government steamer with stores and mails in the event of the difficulty with the Koombana not being settled.
"People Be Brought To Their Senses"
Perth, November 30.
At the quarterly meeting of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce the President drew attention to the position of consignors and consignees in connection with the Koombana trouble, and stated that the hardships imposed on account of the vessel's enforced stay in port was regarded by some as "good biz.," inasmuch as people would be brought to their senses and Parliament induced to provide better legislation to deal with such matters.
This motion was carried:--
"That unless the Koombana sails on Thursday a deputation from this Chamber wait on the Premier and urge him to take action in the interests of humanity."
