Australian Ships To Carry Our Coal

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 278, 14 February 1928, Page 13

Australian Ships To Carry Our Coal

PROTEST TO PRIME MINISTER IDLE TONNAGE IN AUCKLAND Coal from New Zealand should certainly have preference over imported coal, but surely New Zealand bottoms should be used when the Government is forced to get supplies from outside. Acute unemployment among seafaring men in Auckland seems to back up this argument, which is put forward by their organisations in this city. They declare that the Government has let a contract for the carriage of 150,000 tons of Newcastle coal to an Australian shipping company, while the ships of a New Zealand company lie idle at the wharves. There are 220 seamen and firemen out of work in Auckland. The Kawatiri and the Kaitoke, two colliers, are tied up and it is probable that the Kaiwarra will also lay up when she arrives from Melbourne. Twelve months ago, states Mr. T. F. Anderson, secretary of the Seamen’s Union, there were five New Zealand bottoms on the Newcastle run, and now there are none. Each of the ships carry about 4,000 tons of coal, and the contract for 150,000 tons would keep three ships and 160 men going for twelve months. “We cannot quarrel with the Government’s policy of giving preference to local coal,” he says, “but it is an important necessity, in view of the unemployment, that our seamen should get the jobs to bring in Australian coal. Letting the contract to Australia means that the money goes out of the country, and that our men are left unemployed. Besides this Australian ships are repaired in Australia, whereas our ships are, of course, repaired here.” “LIMITED QUANTITY ONLY” Along with Mr. B. Burk, secretary of the Merchant Service Guild, and Mr. D. H. Sturrock, secretary of the Marine Engineers’ Institute, Mr. Anderson sent the following telegram of protest to the Prime Minister! “We understand your Government has placed contract for carriage of quantity of Newcastle coal with an Australian shipping company. In view widespread unemployment existing among New Zealand seafarers owing to idle tonnage, we strongly urge New Zealand ships be employed for this purpose.” The Prime Minister replied as follows: “Your telegram received and representations noted. Contract referred to was let to lowest tenderer for shipment of very limited quantity to North Island only. Government’s objective for many years has been to gradually decrease importation of coal to Dominion and railways are now almost securing sufficient coal from New Zealand mines to meet requirements. Should it be found necessary to increase importations before termination present contract, your representations will not be overlooked.” In answer to this the seamen say that even a limited amount of coal would decrease the unemployment here, for eaeh ship carries nearly 40 men. Another telegram was sent to Mr. Coates: “Your telegram received. We have no quarrel with your policy of using Dominion coal. Similar consideration should - weigh regarding Dominion ships where importations are necessary, even for very limited quantity. Our information Is that 150,000 tons are to be brought from Newcastle for Government use and we urge It is duty of your Government to have this carried by Dominion ships.” No reply has been received yet.