MOKOIA HELD UP

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1920, Page 3

MOKOIA HELD UP

I AUSTRALIAN cx, N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION I , | FIREMEN STRIKE AT SUVA. (Received this day, at- 9.30 a.m.) SUVA, March 21. The Mokoia is held up at Suva owing to members of the Seamen and Firemen’s Union 1 going ashore in the morning, when the vessel was about to sail for ' Auckland. The trouble originated on Wednesday, prior to the departure of the Mokoia for Lautoka. , It is alleged that certain firemen entered a Japanese store and subsequently a dozen strings of beads were missing. The manager followed, and challenged j the firemen wearing the beards, who knocked him down, inflicting facial injuries. A number of firemen were nr- ’ rested, and released on bail. They proceeded to Lautoka, and on the ship s

return to Suva to-day, the police removed the man charged with theft, and assault on the manager. The crew went in, deputation to the master, who said be had done all in his power, but the case was not one that, under tho Fiji law, could be met by a fine. When the order was given to let go the ship’s lines about 8.30, the men left the ship, by sliding down the ropes, and the officers took the steamer into the stream, where she is now anchored. It is stated the crew consider , they were not justified in leavng their companion to stand bis trial alone. SUVA, This Day. The Mokoia is sailing at midnight. The strike is over.

THE TROUBLE ENDED. (Wireless from s.s. Mokoia.) . (Received this day at 10.20 a.m.' WELLINGTON, This Day. After fifteen hours ashore, the seamen and firemen rejoined. It is understood the Fiji authorities had agreed to grant the firemen bail. The sum of £25 was subscribed by -the ,Company, and the Mokoia sailed for Auckland at 1 a.m. It is believed the Fiji authorities will accept the forfeited bail. Residents of Suva entertained the members who did not leave town on Thursday, and visited the sugar plantation in Hewn district on Friday, the rubber plantations on a large scale, the principal owners of which are HawUes Bay residents. Returned soldiers and sailors met Sir J. Allen at a social "athering with much enthusiasm. Mr Ellis, presiding, congratulated the men on their achievements. Sir .J. Allen replied and Mr Downie Stewart spoke brieflv. Government gave a garden party, and the Chambers of Commerce a dinner.