THE P. & 0 & WHITE SAILORS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1436, 10 May 1912, Page 5

THE P. & 0 & WHITE SAILORS

COMPANY MUST DEFEND ITS POSITION. By Teieeraph— Press Association-Copyright. London, May B.' 'A deputation from tho Seamen's Dockers', Clerks', Stevedores', Stewards', Cooks', Butchers', and Bakers' Unions waited on the V. and 0. Company in support of tho sailors and firemen. They complained regarding tho engagement of non-unionists, and,added that unless the demands were granted there would be a general strike. Tho Peninsular and Orient Company replied that it was unablo to accept the. 'conditions formulated, but was willing to slightly modify existing conditions. In other respects, however, it was obliged to defend its position under the Merchant Shipping Act. The Mooltan's lifeboats were sufficient for thrice, the number of persons carried on the present voyage. It would bo impossible to substitute English seamen for lascars in tho tropics to any large extent. On receiving the deputation's report, tho Transporters' Emergency Committee resolved that tho proper management of boats in tho interests of human safety was of far more importance than any matter that could bo decided by a strike. Tho whole matter was, therefore, referred to the National Executive. THE DISPUTE SETTLED. London, May 8. The trouble between tho Seamen's and Firemen's Union and tho P. and 0. Company has been settled.