SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1922, Page 5

SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

MEN LEAVE MAIL BOAT. VOLUNTEER CREW AVAILABLE. GENERAL POSITION UNCHANGED. By Telegraph.—Freis Asaoeiatlou. Wellington. Last Night. The latest development in connection with the shipping trouble is that the crew of the Union Company’s steamer Tahiti gave notice of their intention to leave the steamer when she arrived from San Francisco to-day. A new crew of non-unionists is being obtained, however, and it was stated that the Tahiti will sail for Sydney without any difficulty on the advertised date of departure. Monday. No settlement of the trouble generally, so far as members of the Seamen’s Union are concerned, is likely to be effected until after the national council of the union meets at Wellington again next week. In the meantime. everything in connection with the running of vessels of the various companies is proceeding smoothly. Altogether approximately sixty vessels are in commission on the coast. It is reported that the work of the crews is entirely satisfactory. Mr. Bishop (secretary of the Shipowners’ Federation) stated to-day that the ships wore running to time and there was not the slightest indication that any crows were becoming dissatisfied. “They are certainly doing their work quite well,” remarked 'Mr. Bis'ho-p. Seamen who are unemployed, owing to the present shipping position, are receiving sustenance pay to-day. the equivalent of what would be strike pay if, a strike had been ordered. It is stated that, the union recently had a fighting fund of about £12.000. and that it has been decided to pay married men £2 10s and single men Cl ,10s per week. It is estimated tnat 2000 seamen and firemen are idle, including 1200 affected by the hold-up. There was a meeting of seamen held this morning, but nothing was disclosed. Mr. Young says nothing is doing. Proceedings against 52 seamen are set down for hearing on Tuesday. CREW FOR WAIOTAPU. Auckland, Last Night. The remainder of the crew of the trans-Pacific steamer Waiotapu left the ship to-day, refusing to work with volunteers, the total number being 31. including 17 signed on yesterday. The vessel sailed for Wellington at 11 p.m. THE MAKURA SAILS. By Telectph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 2, 12.30 a.m. Sydney, Dec. 1. The Vancouver mail steamer Makura. sailed for Auckland at 6.30 p.m.