WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1922, 3 December 1913, Page 4

WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY.

SEAMEN'S INTERNATIONAL DEMAND. The members of the British National Seamen's and Firemen's Union have initiated an international movement, demanding .that on and alter May 1 next all ocean-going steamers shall he fitted with an efficient wireless telegraphy equipment; otherwise they will refuse to sign on. At a largely-attended meeting of employees connected with shipping interests held at Towerhill, in London, in October, the following resolutions wore passed: — "Hesolvod that this public meeting of sailors and firemen protest against the secret methods adopted by the Board of Trade in convening a conference of representatives of rnaritimo nations to discuss shipping legislation. This meetin"- regrets that Mr. Svdncy Buxton, President of tho Board of Trade, has not deemed it necessary to acquaint the representatives of tho masters, officers, ongineers, and seamen's organisations.. of the fact that such conference was to I bo hold; and, furthermore, regrets that no representatives of the abovo organisations hnvo been appointed to take part in tho International Conference to bo held on November 12. "The seamen assembled at this meet; i»g are of opinion that the interests of the men employed on board the ships arc of more importance than tho owners of property on which, they work. "Resolved that the sailors and firemen of the Towerhill branch of the Seamen's and Firemen's Union of the Tort of London desire to pinee on record that the time has now arrived when all ocean-going cargo vessels should bo fitted with wireless telegraphy. We urge •this to be done, because it has been demonstrated over and over again that wireless telegraphy is an important factor in life-saving at sea. "Wo are desirous that shipowners should have ample opportunity'in which to make their arrangements, for the lit— linii-mit of flii'ir vessels with wireless insinuation, but ive further desire it to be made known that the seamen of this port will refuse to sign on ocean-going cargo boats on and after May 1, 1914, unless an efficient wireless equipment is provided on'board the vessels. \Yo sincerely hope that the employers will help'us" in this movement, as wo are convinced it will mean a great saving to

iiiem by not having to pay 'loss money' under the Compensation Act for lives Inst, at- sea. Vie further resolve to ask the seaman of all nations lo join in this movement." Similar resolutions wore passed by the various Loudon branches of (he Seamen's ami i/ireiuoii's Union. Tin- South Wales officials of the Peamen's and l''ire:ncii's L'inou state that thi! Yolfurno'disaster has brought home, to the seafaring class the need of every ship being lifted with wireless apparatus.