FIREMEN DELAY STEAMER.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1921, Page 5

FIREMEN DELAY STEAMER.

SEQUEL IN THE COURT. SMALL FINES INFLICTED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. • Wellington, Last Night. A sequel to the hold-up of the Mapourika occurred at the Magistrate’s Court to-day. The vessel was unable to proceed to Nelson on Wednesday, owing to the men refusing duty, and proceedings were accordingly taken against E. Clay, J. M. Giffney, J. Low, J. McAndrew, T. Richards and H. Senzer.

The evidence showed that the Mapourika used to carry three firemen and two trimmers, but as a result of representations made by the union the ship, since 1913, carried six competent firemen and no trimmers, and this meant that the firemen did their own trimming. On the day in question one of the firemen told tfie ’chief engineer that Mr. Young (secretary of the Seamen’s Union) had arranged with the Union Company to have men sent down to trim coal, but these men did not appear. It was contended by the men that there was not enough coal in the bunkers to take the vessel to sea.

Giffney gave evidence that the men were never asked to shift the bunkers, and would have done so if they were asked. The third engineer said the men admitted there was enough coal for the trip,’ but said it was too far back. Mr. O’Regan, counsel for the defendants, said the whole thing was a misunderstanding. Each defendant was fined forty shillings.