SHIPPING DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1922, Page 1

SHIPPING DISPUTE

shortage of men. [ BY TELEGRAPH —I‘EK PRESS ASSOCIATION} WELLINGTON, ’January 16. *A dispVite fFgimlirig 4he Btdkehold cdmjileifieiit df the Ch'dfhnrh Island Fishihg 'Cofiipany’s stWer Ralna has It'd to with withdrhw'al of the Vessel frttrii the coastal trade. “The ‘Rnmn is beiiig withdrawn ’from the Coastal 'trade,” Stated Mr E. G. F. Zohrhb, the agent 'for the vessel to a reporter, “because of the Clertitifids of the Seamen’s Union that she should carry three more men in the stokehold than are required, either by l aw (> r by the requirements of the vessel herself. Such men are in nowise necessary, as the ship is a very easy steaming job, and the owners have decided to lay her up rather than accede to the excessive demands of the Seamen’s Union. 1 The time ha s passed When owners can, afford to pay six men to do three men’s work.” CASE FOR THE ATEN. i

Mr W. T. Young (secretary of the Seamen’s Union) stated that the vessel had always carried six men in the engine department, as originally arranged when she wars altered sifter being purchased by her present owners. When recommissioned, provision was made in her accommodation for six men, and when in running three firemen and three greasers signed on, b"t after making a trip to the Chatham Islands, the firemen reported that the \\V>rk was altogether too heavy for three men, as a good deal of difficulty was experienced in trimming the bunkers. As a result, three greasers were dispensed with, and three trimmers engaged. Since tnen the vessel had been running with three firemen and three trimmers. “Now,” added Mr Yonng, “the management point out that they have made some alteration in the bunkers, which makes the trimming more convenient, and thus reduces the work of the firemen. On account of that fact, they desire to do away with the three trimmers. On the other hand, the men contend that the three men should he transferred hack as greasers, in accordance with the original arrangement, thus leaving the ship with the original six men. The company refused to do this. The ship is now out in the stream, and as far as I’m concerned she can remain there.”