TROUBLE ON S.S. HINEMOA.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1095, 6 April 1911, Page 4

TROUBLE ON S.S. HINEMOA.

FOOD QUESTION AGAIN. Once more trouble has arisen on board a steamer, just about to leave "Wellington, in regard to food. This time it has happened on board the Government steamer Hinemoa. It appears that the crew have been discontented for some time, and, yesterday, a tew minutes before the vessel's departure on her northern lighthouse cruise, the matter caino to a head. A conference was immediately held in the chart-room between the men and the master (Captain Bollons), there being also present: Mr. George Allport, Secretary of Marine, the cook, and the chief steward of the vessel. Tlio men alleged that the food had not been satisfactory owing to the way in which it had been served. It had not been cooked properly, and, on one occasion, when tue Hiucmoa was undergoing survey and repairs in Lyttelton, His meat was really unfit for consumption. They further stated that fresh milk was an unknown quantity, even in port. Another grievance was that the nightwatchmai\ could not have vicc.'ss to t':io cook's galley, owing to the chief steward giving orders that it should lie locked during llie night. It was contended that, on other vessels, the nightwatchman could always enter tlio galley, and brew himself a pot of coffeo or tea, but, on board the Hinemoa (no 'natter whether the vessel was at anchor or alongside tho wharf) this pri."ilege was denied. While the conference was in progress it became apparent that the men had decided to get other matters settled also, for thov complained about the condition of their living quarters, and contended that they should be cleaned nut more than twice a week. It is slated by Mr. Voting (Secretary to the Seamen's Union) that Hie arrangements in regard to the accommodation provided for the crew necessitates ihe cleaning of these quarters more frequently than twice a week. Alter Hie-points raised had been discusseil. it was mutually agreed that. Ihe crew should "lurn to," a promise being made that, if tho present conditions do not improve by the time that tlio Hinemoa reaches Auckland, there will be a change in the providoring department of the vessel. ! The Hinemoa left the wharf an hour ' nml three-quarters after tho projected | time of sailing.