INTERESTING TO COASTAL SHIPPING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 20 November 1907, Page 2

INTERESTING TO COASTAL SHIPPING.

Per Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. An important case affecting the mosquito fleets of steamers throughout the Dominion waß heard by Mr. Riddell, S.M., to-day. James Mills, master of the steamer Wakatu, 157 tons, was charged with employing two men in capacities other than that for which they were engaged, as shown by articles of agreement. Mr. Myers prosecuted for the Marine Department, and Mr. Herdman and Mr. McGregor defended, Mr. McGregor being sent down from Auckland by the shipping companies there. The men were engaged as firemen, and their duties on the veßsel included greasing. The information was laid under the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1903, prohibiting seamen being employed at work other than that specified in their agreements. Evidence was given for the defence that it was the custom in vessels under 750 horse-power to employ two firemen, working in six-hour shifts. These had to do the necessary greasing,, which occupied only about two hours in the whole twenty-four. If greasers were carried they would only have an hour's work per day, and the men's quarters would have to be enlarged, decreasing the cargo-space. Twenty-two vessels trading out of Wellington arc affected. A return, compiled by local shipping companies and given in evidence showed that the total loss on these if greasers were carried would be £10,933 per annum, ranging from £3lB to £BOO per vessel. Considerable legal argument was heard, and the Magistrate reserved his decision. •