CREW PAID OFF.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 223, 4 July 1939, Page 7

CREW PAID OFF.

ABSENCE OF FIVE FIREMEN

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND. July 3

After waiting since Wednesday for the replacement of a fireman in the Westport Coal Company’s chartered steamer Kaimai, the Union Company paid off the crew at Auckland this afternoon. No sailing time has been fixed for the Kaimai in the meantime.

On completion of discharge of her coal cargo from Westport on Wednesday, the Kaimai was ready for sea on her return voyage, and a tug was waiting to move her to the stream, when it was found that a fireman was missing. A new man was signed on, and the departure postponed until the following morning, when the. fresh fireman left the ship. Since then the sailing of the steamer has been postponed day by day while endeavours were made to bring the stokehold complement up to strength. This morning five members of the crew were absent, and the Blue Peter was lowered for the last time. It is understood that none of the deck seamen had left the ship. There is no marked shortage in Auckland of men prepared to fire coastal steamers and it is exceptional that such lack of interest should be shown.