A MARINE MATTER.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1206, 15 August 1911, Page 3

A MARINE MATTER.

CONCILIATION CASE. THE MERCHANT SERVICE GUILD. The Conciliation Commissioner . (Mr. V. Ilally) yesterday .heard evidence in the dispute between the .Merchant Service Guild (New Zealand section) Industrial Association of Workers, oil the ono side, and the Maoriland Steam Ship Company and the following companies, on the other:—Levin and Co.. \V. and G. Turnbull and Co.; ■ jiicliardson and Co.. Wellington and Wangnnui Steam Packet Company, Johnston ami Co., Captain T. Eckford (Levin and Co., agents), Anchor Shipping and Foundry Co., Wcstland Steam Ship Company; Canterbury Steam Ship Company, Kaiapoi Steam Ship Company, ChnHiam Lslnnd Fishery Company, and tlio Karnmea Steam Ship Company. Captain Watson and Mr. T. AY. Spencn appeared for th? Guild; Captain M'Arthur and Mr. R. C. I?enner were assessors for the employers, and Mr. William Prior was present on behalf of practically tho wholo of. those, cited in the dispute. The trouble wiis chielly concerning hours of labour and rate of wages. The proceedings were in committee.

It transpired, however, that Mr. Pryor uiado strong objection to tlio inclusion of the captains "and masters of vessels in tlio same category as officers. Ho contended that ivhilc there was nothing unfair in belonging to the Merchant Service Guild, yet iii the making of an award they should not he dealt with in tho same award. Captain Watson, on behalf of the Guild, Slid that with the particular companies they were dealing with n man might be mate of a vessel one day and master the next. It was agreed that the Guild eliminate tlio names of masters in regard to the present citation.' It was also agreed that tho Guild take a plebiscite of all tho masters and ascertain whether the claims that had been made on their behalf met with their approval. In regard to tlio officers it was found that, in a number of the clauses, agreements coulil be arrived at. In regard to wages it was agreed that vessels of 100 tons and under should form tho lowest grade, and those of 1000 tons and over, tho maximum grade. The men are divided into five classes and the wages, it was contended, should W adjusted to meet each class. . The matter dealing with tho officers will bo referred to the Arbitration Court. Tho case concerning the Union Steam Shijp Company and the other larger companies, will bo heard to-day at 10.30 a.m.