TRIP CANCELLED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 86, 22 January 1946, Page 3

TRIP CANCELLED

PASSENGERS FOR NEW ZEALAND POSITION MAY BE SERIOUS (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. As a result of the continued deadlock between the Government and the Seamen’s Union, the Katoomba’s voyage to New Zealand with 600 passengers has been cancelled and no relief ship is expected for at least a week. This statement was made by the Director of Shipping", Mr R. A. Hetherington, after a meeting of the Seamen’s Union when it was decided not to man the stokehold of the Katoomba unless three additional firemen were employed. It was anticipated that the Wanganella might have been able to make a trip to New Zealand, hut as a hospital ship she is committed to bring troops from the Wewak area, and the Government decided not to interfere with her schedule. Mr Hetherington said it was unfortunate that all other vessels were similarly involved and the Government was in the unenviable position of having to decide whether to delay the return of troops from forward areas or expedite the return of civilians to New Zealand 1 . Arrangements have been made for passengers who have no other accommodation to remain on hoard until a relief ship caan be obtained. The Katoomba had 2000 tons of cargo for New Zealand, and discharging operations will commence this morning in preparation for the task of transferring it to the first available cargo vessel. After spending a sweltering day on the Katoomba’s decks yesterday, the passengers were irate when a notice appeared on the notice board stating that the trip had been cancelled and the ticket money would he refunded. A meeting was called immediately in the lounge when a committee was formed. The passengers unanimously decided to stay on the ship until a relief vessel was made avaailabie. The Union Steam Ship Company requested that only passengers without shore accommodation remain on the ship, but everyone stayed aboard in a hope that the dispute might he settled at the eleventh hour. Many of the families have all their household furniture stored in the Katoomba’s hold. Some of them are travelling without their husbands, and mothers With yoftng families will be in a desperate position if asked to remove their belongings from the ship. Dozens have no homes in Sydney as well as possessing no coupons or money.