SHIPPING STRIKE.

Otaki Mail, 13 November 1922, Page 3

SHIPPING STRIKE.

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS' NOTICE EXPIRES, FERRY SERVICES CEASE. Wellington, Saturday. The seamen's trouble reached b head here to-day, when the men employed on the; vessels in port decided to give twenty-four hours' notice of their intention to cease work. All vessels on New Zealand articles are affected. The notice expires to-day, when all vessels will be laid up. The crew of the AVahine, which left for- Lyttel.ton to-night .will leave the vessel on arrival at Lyllelton. The Maori will be the last ferry steamer leavnig Lytic!ton lor WelI lington. Meanwhile the opinion expressed among seamen is that the strike will be of comparatively short duration, the men deciding lo cease work as a prolest against the Arbitration Court derision in reducing wages. A strong feeling exists among the men that the award is unjust, in view of the circumstances. On the other hand, the employers are emphatic that the award must be adhered to, while it is pointed out in Labour circles that the trouble has come at a bad time in view of the approaching election and Christmas. The opinion is expressed that a fight by Labour against a reduction in wages must come "sooner or later. AUCKLAND GOES OUT. Aucklandj Saturday; The Seamen's Union hiei- to-day to consider the report of delegates io the conference of the executive at ' Wellington. Though the officers are reticent, it is understood here that the conference decided that all members of the Union should give notice fo-day." It is further stated that the men will offer their services on November 20, remaining in employ- | ment for a week, when they will again give notice. It is understood ! this will be a recurring process. | The crew of the Gisborne sheep- i farmers' steamer Tiroa gave notice • this week, but the owners gave a, writtell undertaking that the old award would be observed. The men i therefore withdrew their notices. j

RUINATION FACES NELSON GROWERS.

IF FRUIT IS HELD UP FOR LONG. Nelson, Saturday. The Ngaio left Nelson this evening a full ship, Wellington people returning in view of eventualities. If the Wellington-Nelson service is interrupted, it will mean an immediate and severe loss. Tomatoes are almost ready for shipment in large quantities, and if these are cut off it will mean ruination to many struggling growers and great- loss to all. Apples from cool store are going over in fair quantities. These will keep, but the loss of time may mean loss of opportunity to sell. Altogether, many Nelson producers, especially small men, stand to lose the results of a considerable portion of the year's work if cut off from the Wellington market for any length of time.