SHIPPING TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1929, Page 1

SHIPPING TROUBLE

oim.au Press Association. —15y Electric ielegrapß.—Copyright.) WELLINGTON, November 26. Trouble over ine engagement of the crew lor Messrs indini and Coy's coastal cargo steamer Hiinitaugi, at present completing her overhaul at Wellington, is being experienced by her owners, the vessel paid off all hands at Wellington, preparatory to undergoing an extensive overhaul, costing about LI GUO. Yesterday, when the crew were a .sued to sign on the articles again, it was found that three new riremen, who had undertaken to join tne ship, did not put in an appearance at the port slupipng office to sign. The owners of the Himitangi were given to understand that, unless the three firemen who were employed on the ship prior to her withdrawal for overhaul were re-engaged, the vessel would be held Up. The owners, however, claim the right to engage whom they choose, and they hold that any intenference with this right is a clear ease jof job control ” by the men. The Seamen's Union officials were interviewed on the subject, but they stated their inability to mediate in the matter. The Union, they said, had no power to compel seamen or firemen to join any vessel if they had no desire to. The Holm Company say they refuse to be dictated to by the men as to whom they should employ, and as the matter stands, the vessel, which is expected to be ready for sea to-mor-row, is without a crew. , The Hiinitangi’s complement comprises the captain, two mates, two engineers, a cook, a steward, five seamen anil three firemen—a total of fifteen.