VOLUNTEER SEAMEN

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1926, Page 4

VOLUNTEER SEAMEN

THEIR TJiEATAIEXT

A WELLINGTON DISCUSSION. WELLINGTON. Fob. lit. Strong indignation was expressed at a meeting of the Chamber ot Commerce to-night in connection with the recent victimisation of four passengers on tho Npcaio on account ol* the fact that they had acted ns volunteer seamen during the October strike. Kxcention also was taken to a statement nllegod to have been made by a member of"the Dominion Farmers’ Union executive that “they expected no response m the way of prntset from the chamber, as it was always up against the fanner.” _ , The matter came up for discussion 1 when a letter was read asking the chamber to follow tho Farmers’ Union action and forward a letter of protest to the Anchor line.

Mr G. Mitchell voiced disapproval of tho sentiment, expressed about the chamber always being up against Hie farmers. He said, “This chamber, so far as ( know, has always boon very broad-minded in its outlook on all questions, and if we have helped anyone we have helped the farming community. Thcv can rest assured that what is in their interest and in the interests of the public generally is also in our interests. In regard to the matter now before us I might point out. that the committee set up to go into the matter had already taken steps before the matter was discussed by the farmers’ executive. Members of that committee waited upon the responsible Minister and placed their views before

him. \Yc thought it was most unjust that these men should lie put off after embarkation. Tlio treatment meted out to those men who went overseas and helped their country out of danger was scandalous.” The chairman (Mr J. I!. Simpson) suggested that a letter should lie written to the Farmers’ Cnion executive pointing out what the chain her had done in the way of protesting against the treatment volunteer seamen had received. Mr A. 1.. Hunt said it was a terrible thing to think those men. who served I the country during the strike should lie victimised now that the trouble was over. A motion that a letter lie written to the Anchor Shipping Company asking lor an explanation was carried unanimously. Mr C. M. liowden: The matter does ,

nnt rest there. The statement that this chamber is always up against the farmer is unwarranted. We should point out to their executive that steps were taken with regard to lodging a protest long before the matter was discussed hv them. -Mr Mackenzie said that the chamber was supposed to represent the business community of Wellington and the statement- that it was always up against the farmers should not have passed. Members of the chamber strongly objected to the Anchor Shipping Company’s attitude towards the men who helped the country out of a grave difficulty. Mr Mitchell (to Mr Mackenzie): I don’t think you are acquainted with the whole position. Trouble arose from the time the men reached Home until they arrived back in New Zealand. Eventually it was resolved that a complete report be submitted to the nest meeting of the chamber, and that in the meantime a letter of protest be forwarded to the Anchor Shipping Company.