TALK OF A SHIPPING STRIKE

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16422, 16 January 1919, Page 6

TALK OF A SHIPPING STRIKE

WELLINGTON OPINIOX. (special to "the IT.ESS. ) WELLINGTON, January 10. The Maori did not sail to-night, because the company found it impossible to £et a crow. It might havo been possiblo to got men if tho usual lastminuTo search liad been made, but the companv met tho men a little moro than half-way. In tlic afternoon it was being found difficult to get tho men. Tho ship was thon eleven short, and as sufficient were not offering, tho announcement was made that the ship would not sail, and the shin remains for tho present tied up at the wharf. It is not known yet whether the Maori will be paid off, but that is not an irupossiblo event. For days now there has been talk of a striko and stoppage of shipping in Wellington, and ,t is taken for granted that the trouble has to come. Tiio goneral attitude of tho public is one of resignation. . "Let the tight come, and let's nave done with it,'" just about sums up their attitude. The probabilities aro that this restiveness of the seamen may precipitate matters a little moro quickly than the labour "bosses" had intendecl. The general belief was that there would bo no trouble until February, after the sitting of the Laliour Conference at tho end of this month. Yesterday there were rumours that tho southern boats would not run many moro trips, but tho tying up of tho Maori to-day was not expected. It appears that the firemen aro unwilling to wait until February. The time is inopportuno. as it always is when strikes como along. As usual, the worst of tho country's troubles is lack of coal. Supplies are very low. Wellington City has been trying for months to accumulate supplies, but has not been able to gain a ton. Private enterprises aro in tho same position. All the coal coming here has been taken by the Government, and oven the Government is admittodly shorter of supplies than it has been for a long timeCurtailments of all services are. to be expected very soon, if the strike does not settle itself almost, immediately.