IN THE OTHER CITIES.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1904, 12 November 1913, Page 9

IN THE OTHER CITIES.

BLOW FOR STRIKERS; CHAGRIN OVER FERRY SERVICE. PATEENA'S 'HiIP, (B.y Mcerajih.—Press Association.) Ghrlstohurch, November 11, To-day was tlio twelfth day of tlio strike here. For tlio lust two days 110 ship had entered or left tho port, gave in the immediate vicinity of the Cfjronution Hall, the waterfront was almost deserted. Pickets, however, had boon told off to patrol tho wharves. T'lio iteet of steamers in the stream now numbers iiiiie s with a total gross displacement of 13,170 tons. These, idle steamers, with wisps of bluo snroko curling lazily from their funnels, make u rather striiciug picture. Apart from tlio coal-hulks, dredges, and harbour tujjs, tho only vessels loft at tho wharves are tho steamers Cygnet- and John Henderson, and tho Aunio Hill and Morning Light.

The 'disorganisation of tho LytteltonWellington ferry service lias been regarded with satisfaction by the strikers. After the "hold up" of the. Maori last Wednesday tho Jlapourikn ma.do oini trip from Wellington, and tho Mauiigaliiii two, while tho little Queen of the South made tlio round trip with, mails only. WliMi it was announced yesterday that tlio Pateena was being placed in the ferry service, tho news Was received with incredulity by many of tho strikers, who confidently predicted that she would not ho a bio to ship a crew. It was therefore with considerable astonishment that they learned this morning that tlio Pateena had left Wellington, manned by masters, officers, niid engineers. It was a thing uiikeafd of, and many of the nuilcontouts did not like it. It showed that the firemen, in this etise, at nil events, could bo clone wifhout. Tho coming of the Pateena was a red-letter ovont jn tho history of the strike, and her arrival in port sst-< tracted a great crowd to tho wharf. The sight of masters and mates maleing tho ship fast under the orders of other masters and mates was' a sight

worth seeing. The Pateeiia arrived at lyttelton, at 12.45 p.m., and her passtpgors and mails loll' by special train for Christ-church shortly after-wards. 'J ho stoamer needed bunker coal, and a bulk was hauled alongside, And soon the permanent hands of tho Union' Company's shore staff iverc hard at work Retting the coal on board. Tho I'a-t-eena is to sail to-night. Strike Leader Boards the Ship. After the train with this piisseligers hail left for Christchurch, a movement oil tho' part 'of several of the strikers 011 the wharf hinted at possibilities, ami, a moment 'or two later . somewhat determined attempts were made to board the vessel. They were, however, repelled by tho politic. A largo munber of strikors tiien gathered at tho main. gangway, and Mr, F. Lurch (their president) asked permission to go on hoard, in order to interview the men engaged ift coaling tho ship. ' Mr. Watkins, marine superintendent, t informed Mr, Lu.reh

that ho could ha'vo ppijnissimi to ga aboard, provided that the strikers promised to make no demonstration after the result of the interview wa? mado known. And What He Discovered! "With some rciuctanco thp desired promise was given, and Mr. Lurch was allowed on board. He roturiiod within a minute to the wharf with a doleful countenance, and, addressing the strikers, said: "Look bore, well, it's no good. 1 bavo interviewed those fellows, and they admit that they have been 'scabs' sinco thoy were one day old, and they say tltoy are going to remain, 'scabs' for the rest of their lives." Proposal to Rush tho Ship. 1 Tilts atuiouncettrent was grootqd with vigorous hooting and a proposal was made to rush tho ship. Mr. Lurch and ethers, however, reminded the men of tne -promiso given not to make a demonstration, but a few of tile more militant spirits were not satisfied, and n proposal was then mooted to east oif the vessel's rnooring-lmos. About a couple of dozen strikers started to patrol the length of the ship, while others looked on. The officers of the boat and tho police, however, had in the meantime been warned,, and a sharp look-out was kept on the actions of thflse 011 the wharf, and tho demonstration fizzled out. Tlin Patcena presently eased oft' u few feet from the wharf, and began ccaiing. '