TROUBLE ON MONOWAI

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1931, Page 2

TROUBLE ON MONOWAI

STEWARDS AND SHOWER BATHS. * WELLINGTON, January 12. The first saloon passengers on board ! the Monowni, which arrived at Wellington to-day from San Francisco, were ■ at one stage of the journey faced with ■ the rather dismal possibility of having to wait upon themselves at the luncheon table. A day out from Rarotonga, a number of the stewards refused to carry out their duties unless certain demands were complied with; but, as the captain agreed to their requests, the working of the dining-room proceeded in the usual harmonious fashion, and the journey was continued without further incident. It appears that the trouble was primarily caused through a shortage of fresh water on the ship, due to abnormal consumption, as the consequence of which the showers in the stewards’ quarters were turned off for about twelve hours of the day, and at one time when the men stated they particularly desired to use them, at about 12.30 p.m. The men affected were those who attended the state-rooms in the morning and later waited upon the table at luncheon. After making beds and cleaning up generally, the men considered that they should be allowed the privilege of a shower before proceeding to a change, and this was denied to them. Both fresh water and sea water showers are installed on board, though only the former are in the stewards’ quarters. The matter, it is stated, was taken to the captain for a final settlement, and with his consent fresh water was turned on.