CREWS OF SHIPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1922, Page 5

CREWS OF SHIPS.

_ JVHO IS TO CHOOSES FIGHT IN AUSTRALIA. DEADLOCK DEVELOPS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 2, 5.5 p.mSydney, July 2. A deadlock has been reached over the Commonwealth ships trouble. Up to the time of the expiry of the ultimatum not a single seaman had presented himself for engagement on the steamer Largs Bay under the terms of the ultimatum. Therefore practically the whole of the Commonwealth ships will be paid off as they arrive. The position is causing great anxiety in shipping circles and the next move is anxiously awaited. —Aus.-N.'Z- Cable Assn. Sydney, June 30. A mass meeting of the Seamen’s Union re-affirmed the decision not to sail without the man objected to by the master of the Largs Bay. Further attempts to secure a voluntary crew have failed. It is understood the Seamen’s Union intend to communicate with the Commonwealth Government asking for a full inquiry into the dispute. Sydney, July 1. A mass meeting of seamen carried a resolution asking the management to institute an inquiry into the cause of the dispute of the Largs Bay boatswain. The request was telegraphed to Melbourne. from which a reply was received refusing the request, and re-affirming the intention of the management to choose its own crew-

An ultimatum was also issued stating unless the union mans the ship unconditionally by noon on Saturday, all the Commonwealth vessels will be laid up on arrival.

The Commonwealth fleet consists of 43 vessels, 600 officers and engineers, and 4000 seamen.

It is thought in the event of a general hold-up the vessels in future will be placed under English articles, whereby the cost of running will be considerably lower.