CREW LEAVES SHIP

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24912, 27 June 1946, Page 4

CREW LEAVES SHIP

DISPUTE ON MAUI . POMARE (P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 26. After the dismissal of two members of the crew, all members of the deck and engine room departments of the Government motor-vessel Maui Pomare walked off the ship to-day. It is understood that the men, totalling 24, objected to the dismissals, both of seamen, which occurred in one case shortly after the ship arrived at Auckland from Rarotonga, and in the second instance On Tuesday. On Tuesday evening, 24 hours’ notice was given, and the men left the vessel to-day. The Maui Pomare, which is loading for the Cook Islands, is scheduled to leave on Saturday. A call will be made for a new crew to-morrow morning, but In view of the existing shortage of seamen it is expected that replacement will not be easy. Reports that the ship has unofficially been declared “black” may add to the difficulties. One at the last fruit shipments of this season is awaiting collection at the Cook group, and it is feared that the consignment will suffer if the delay to the Maui Pomare is prolonged. Although a small orange cargo is expected from Rarotonga, larger quantities are ready at Atiu and Mangaia. and the lateness of the season will result in deterioration if they are not loaded 1 shortly.