THE SHIPPING TROUBLE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 104, 23 October 1911, Page 8

THE SHIPPING TROUBLE

MEETING OF OWNERS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Saturday. As the result of a representative meeting of the Shipowners' Federation this morning, a isuggestion was submitted to the Merchant Service Guild that in common fairness the guild should put small steamship owners on the same footing as the large companies occupy. Pending the result of the .ballot now in progress, as to what course ishould be taken by the guild in connection with the proposals made by the larger steamship owners, the federation suggested that the guild should allow its members to work small steamers under present conditions until the result of the (ballot is known, since large boats are permitted to run as formerly pending the guild's decision. The guild, in reply, absolutely and emphatically refused to entertain the proposal. It admitted that a ballot is being taken, hut declared that even if the proposal of the larger companies was accepted it would make no difference to the guild's attitude towards the smaller owners.

Captain Watson said the men were unanimous in refusing to work until their demands were satisfied. They have been out three weeks now, and intend seeing the matter right out. He held the two disputes were not identical. Trouble is possible in the Northern .Steamship Company at Auckland when the Conciliation Council sits on Friday next, when the owners have cited the mates. The general conditions as to wages, responsibilities, and hours of work have, it is contended, been the cause of dissatisfaction up north for some time.