SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1925, Page 1

SHIPPING TROUBLE.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] IUO SEAMEN GAOLED. AUCKIiAND, Oct. 8. Fiftv-one seamen from the steamer Matakana and fifty-six from the W'aimana pleaded guilty in the Police Court this afternoon to combining to disobey lawful commands or to neglect duty. They were, sentenced to a month's imprisonment. The seamen treated the proceedings lightly throughout, ami the sentence was hailed with a marked demonstration of joy. The men from the Matakana were dealt with first. Mr R. McVeigh, for the Shipping Co. said the charges vote brought under the Merchant Shipping Act on September 7th. and St It. The men declined to take the ship to sea when requested hv the master. Under the Act there was no alternative hut imprisonment for such an ofi'enee. “I Ante in public that it the men are now willing to take the ships to sea. the ease shall he adjourned, and the charge struck out when they leave,” said Mr McYeagh. “Under the section, I have no alternative but to impose imprisonment.” Magistrate Cation said, "and T am loath to do that. Ti is for you to decide which course you will take.' “T would rather go to gaol than accept the terms” said a seaman. "What battleground have we on which to settle the dispute ?” Air Culten : “I am not able to express views on that question. All 1 am concerned with is that you are committing a breach of the law. fs it not possible to settle your dispute where it- started?” “The shipowners recognise no laws and how can we he expected to?” replied the seaman. “We are not. getting a living is ago for our wives and children,” declared another of the seamen. “It is ridiculous to work under those conditons.” TTc asked the Magistrate if he would work for practically notnittg. Mr Culten : “T often do that.” Another seamen suggo-Aed an adjournment- to allow the men's representatives to meet the masters and ofiioors to try to come to some arrangement. Air Cut ten : “Tf you decide to take your ships hack homo, you can settle ihe dispute in a proper manner. Nothing can he gained.” “Surely when a man fights for his country lie is entitled to fight for himself in time of peace?” remarked another seaman. He added: “I nm it British citizen, but do not want to l>c ground down 1” Mr Clifton : “You claim to be a patriot. If you are, you should take this with true British philosophy and have it settled in a constitutional man-

Mr McYoagh said ho had l>eon advised not to agree to an adjournment-. The owners had Veen forced into the present position. He was sorry the proposals of the seamen were couched in the terms presented to the Prime M mister. “New Zealand is a piece' of the Union Jack and we should lx' able to light our case, here.” exclaimed a young seaman. “Yon can !>ut my name down for gaol !” Mr C’utton .who said he had no alMr Cullen, who said be had no tilsen fenced them to one month’s im-

prisonmen t. There were shouts of “Hear! Hear!” and much clapping of hands. When the men from the Wnimann were being charged, a voting trimmer. F. -T. Cooper, pleaded not guilty to the charge. We said ho did not combine will) the crew. Captain Andrews, of the Waimnna. said that at the time he spoke to the crew, the accused was absent. "When lie returned he was ordered to raise steam for the, boilers, hut he refused. “You asked me if I was prepared to ship to sea." said the accused. “T could not work- the ship myself, could T?“ T was in an awkward position because the rest of the men had refused duty. T made an agreement wilh the company and T intend to stick lo it. My word is my bond !” “T do not know whether this man signed on Colonial or British articles, bill if he signed on British articles he is a scab.’' said one of the seamen. “1 mvself Would rather die that go back under ike present- conditions." Mr MeVengh said that if Cooper was prepared io take the .ship to sea uilh others, he was prepared io accept an adjournment in his rase. This was aeeordinglv adjourned lo October loth. 'Hi.- remainder oi the crew received ~ne month's imprisonment. The conveyance of the men to Mount F.dcu l’ri-un was an involved business, the police having io make seven

trips. A. the seamen were led from the Court thee wen- cheered hv a large gathering "f seamen' from other ships. The accommoda I imi at the gaol D coiv so c ramped ihal some of the men have to sleep in a nassagewav and oihers in the chapel. TIRED of rXF.MPI.OYMTNT. PLENTY OF FTTF.E T,ABODE OFFETIDNO. WF.r.TdXGTOX. Oct-, S. To-dav a party of iiftv men visited the police station and asked for protection. as they wislmd to return to their boats. This was given. T( was intimated the police were quite neutral in the matter, and protection would he provided lo either side in the dispute. The men wore then placed aboard the ships in such a manner as to prevent the more militant strikers from becoming aware of what was happening. ft i- stated in the city that many of the men are tired of unemployment and have secured other work, some working in the city and some in the country.

There are indications that men ii the Terrace Cant have become tire, of Iming deprived of their liberty an, ~f the prison fare. \ mmiV-r of ther have been released at their own re i, nest. and f nive returned to tliei

Diquirin.: at the Terrace t.aol tonight. a “Times” reporter learned that Mr Butler. Leader of the Strike Committee, had listed the gaol, and bad induced the men to consider the question of returning to the ships. As a result half of the men had signified their desire to be released on this condition. The matter for release is

one for the police and the Justice Department. hut it is believed the next few davs will see them transferred from the prison to the ship. Trt addition there are twenty-five prisoners at Trenthnm. Tt is not known what attitude they will take up. Some of the men gaoled believe that on the expiration of the gaol period.

t!h-y Will !;.■ released with lull eitizen--hii). I-, i- (minted out the authorities v-s,-> power to deport them. 1 1 i-, -t.ii-M-! that plenty .ji labour i, oilVniio. a ial many men lave boon ;r eept.-l. EXPECTED TO RKSI'ME. ('HRisTrunitii. o*t. d. Arrangements are biting made for tin- -triking seamen from the Hororata. who are a. present in Paparua Rrison. to be released in order to return to duty. It was stated this afternoon that the necessary formalities for the release of the men were now being arranged and it was expected that the men would leave ihc prison to-morrow to resume duty.