THE SEAMEN’S STRIKE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2441, 14 January 1881, Page 2

THE SEAMEN’S STRIKE.

It lias been rumored that the men belonging to the Seamen’s Union in Wellington intend to “ give way," and that the strike in consequence is likely to collapse : hut the Secretary informs us that (“ Post ”) that snch is not the case, as he has not heard of a single instance in which a Union man has shown any sign of wavering in his allegiance to the Union. On tbe contrary, since the recent strikes a considerable number of fresh names has been added to the roll. The men have not yet come upon the Union for any pecuniary help, and have, we are informed, expressed their willingness to support themselves as long as they possibly can do so. The Union will, however, supply aid where demanded to the extent of its resources, and, if necessary, contributions will be forwarded from the Seamen’s Union in Victoria, that institution having promised even to go so far as to make a special levy on its members to assist tbe Wellington Union. So far, the secretary informs us, the only demand made by the seamen and firemen of coasting steamers has been for the limitation of the hours of labor in safe ports to eight; the question of overtime and wages not having been con- ! sidered at all. The eight hours is ex* i elusive of the time of duty performed i just previous to entering the Heads and leaving the port again. That is, although a seaman may have done, say four hours duty just prior to reaching the Heads, he wlil not object to working eight hours while inside the harbor; nor, should the vessel leave at the expiration of that time, would there he any demur to commencing the customary sea duty again, although the ■ number of hours during which the seaman might thus be engaged would have reached sixteen.