SHIP VOLUNTEERS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1926, Page 3

SHIP VOLUNTEERS

PROTESTS BY I'URAiERS. BY TIILKOUATH PKKSH ASSN., ~'OCYItIOHT WELLINGTON, February 3. Strong protests against the treatment meted out to the men who volunteered at the time of the shipping strike for service as seamen on Home liners, were voiced at a meeting oi the Dominion Executive of the Farmers’ Union to-day. Special reference was made by the Chairman to the ease of the Xgaio, the seamen of which vessel refused to proceed to sea because four volunteers were passengers. A motion of protest was carried. Mr Matliieson said that there had been a good deal of grumbling from the men, especially' by T those on the Arawa, about the treatment, but he did not think there was much in it. Regarding the Xgaio incident, lie thought those seamen committed a breach of the law, and he thought they should not sit down without making some protest to the shipping people. Mr Jackson (Wnirnrapa) thought some inquiry should he made into the volunteers’ allegation. He quoted one ease where a man received injuries while away, and so far had been unable to obtain redress. If such treatment were allowed to continue without protest, they would find that in future, shipping companies would not receive support from farmers. Mr Matliieson said it would he unwise to take action without having something definite before them. Mr Jackson: “It is very hard for us to help shipping companies when these things are going on. The companies will find that they will have to fight their own battles in the future.” Mr .Toll said it was a most serious

position. Mr Munro (Auckland) agreed that some action should he taken in the case of the Xgaio. After further discussion it was decided to make a protest to the Anchor Company in regard io the Xgaio case, mid ask for support from the Chambers of Commerce, Meat Board and the Dairy Board. Mr Joll remarked that 1m did not think they would get much support from the Chambers of Commerce, the members of which had a feeling of an•'i tagonism against farmers. Mr Matliieson: This will test them out.