NIAGARA DELAYED

Evening Post, Issue 47, 23 August 1935, Page 10

NIAGARA DELAYED

REPLACEMENT ISJ CREW

MAY MISS ENGLJSH MAIL'

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, August- 22.

Deiayecl through, a vacancy, in-her crew, which could not be. filled, the liner Niagara did not* leave for Vancouver until after 3 o'clock this afternoon. The Niagara was originally scheduled to sail on Wednesday night, but, her departure was postponed'until 10 'a.m: today' and successively until 11 a.m.,. 1 -p.m., and, 3 p.m.

; An able seaman, on the vessel, went asliore sick on Wednesday and another man was signed on in his place. Later in'the day, however, he left the ship. It is learned that the cause of this action was.due to the possibility of repercussions in view of the disturbed llabour .situation at' Vancouver.

Cargo, operations went on until; midnight on Wednesday,, when work was suspended. The remainder of the cargo ;vas.loaded- today. Officers of the:vessel .stated, however, that,had'the Niagara had a full crew she would have sailed on Wednesday night, leaving a small quantity of cargo if necessary. It was. stated further that the- Seamen's Union had indicated that the taking of a man to fill the vacancy would'not be opposed. A seaman could not be obtained, however, for some hours, but the man who had previously signed on eventually rejoined the vessel and she sailed shortly afterwards without further. incident.

Passengers spent the morning on the ship, as it was "not known when she might be able to leave. The delay will mean that members of the New Zealand University hockey team cannot arrive at Suva in: time to play the first' Test match there on Saturday. It-is doubtful if the Niagara will catch the English mail connection by the'usual route.