SEAMEN'S TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1917, Page 5

SEAMEN'S TROUBLE.

APPLICATION TO COURT. SEAMEN UNREPRESENTED. By. Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Oct. in. Application by the Inspector of Awards for an interpretation of certain clauses in the dispute in the existing agreement between the coastal shipowners and seamen came before the Arbitration Court tn-day. The Seamen's Union was not represented. Mr. Justice Stringer said it was to be regretted that the union was not present to assist the court in interpreting the agreement. , Mr. T. S. Weston, for the shipowners, suggested a short adjournment in order to give the union a final chance of being represented, which it might do on a word of warning or advice from the Court,

Mr. Justice Stringer (after consultation with his colleagues): It appears that the union has had ample notice to attend, and I don't really think there should bo any adjournment. I cannot pretend not to know what is going on. I see by the papers that the, union says it will have nothing to do with the Arbitration Court. Ido not think we should have to go and petition the union to .come here. I think the case should go on.

Mr. Weston iaid the court, as a commission under regulation 2 of the Trade and Commerce, Act, was being asked to decide if where the manning scale of the Shipping and Seamen Act allows small vessels to carry less than six able seamen it is essential to the safety of such vessels that two deck hands should be employed on deck at the same time, in addition to the officer in charge. Mr Justice Stringer. That is a most important point. Mr. Weston then prjjceedvd to' open the case. Wellington, last Night. Mr. T. S. Weston said the union attempted to take advantage of the Virms of the new agreement to secure 'more overtime. He declared that the request for two men in the watch was raised, not for the safety of the public, but to secure an interpretation which would lead to more overtime. One man in the watch did not mean only one on duty, as in addition, there was always an officer on the bridge, and in bad weather the captain was either on the bridge as well, or within easy call. The owners did not wish to lose their boats, or have them damaged, so they would not send them to sea inadequately staffed. The one in the watch system had obtained for about 30 years. A num'ber of ships' officers gave evidence, ill! agreeing that one man in the watch was sufficient. Mr. Weston was about to call further evidence, but the president said it was unnecessary. The Court reserved its decision.