TUTANEKAI HELD UP

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1920, Page 1

TUTANEKAI HELD UP

firemen refuse to sail

EXTRA'COAL LOADING BLOCKED

[run ruKss association. —oopvbighi,

AUCKLAND, February 5

Attempts were made in Auckland today to prevent the TutaneKai, which arrived from Wellington this morning sailing for Fiji wit'll military foices. Tig. trouble appeared early in the morning. The Tutanekai carried enough coal to make Fiji in line weather but it was desired to load another 70 tons as a safeguard against a hurricane, which may be excctod about this season. A hulk therefore was brought alongside at 10 o’clock, but t* > labour was forthcoming. The watersiders chief reason apparently yvas that the vesesl was engaged on a strike expedition to Fiji where the Indians are out.

It was apparent from remarks on the wharf that some of the wntersidors resented the proposal to take the coal from Auckland. The authorities then decided that the vessel should sail without coal, the time being fixed for 5 p.m. Shortly before that hour a deputation of firemen waited on Captain Post and demanded their discharges.

The spokesman said that when they had signed on at Wellington they had not been informed the ship u’as to carry soldiers to Fiji. The firemen were informed they would have to abide by articles.

Major Punick is in charge of the soldiers for Fiji. He explained that his orders were to see that the Hindoos did not destroy any life and property of Europeans. Asked whether the firemen were prepared to hamper the ship wheu Europeans in Fiji might bo endangered the firemen retired.

Volunteers were called from amongst the soldiers to work in the stokehold. There appeared to be no difficulty in getting a team. The steamer remained at the wharf however. It transpired that the seamen were faced with the difficulty of serving with non-Union firemen. They had not received permission from the Union to do this. This permission was sought to be obtained. When the firemen left the ship, all of them were arrested. They were taken to the wharf police station. They received assurance that the force was proceeding to Fiji fur the sole purpose of protecting the Europeans. They then agreed to return to the ship. The Tutanekai is expected to sail at midnight.

TUTANEKAI LEAVES. AUCKLAND, Feb. 6. The Tutanekai left for Fiji at 12.10 this morning.