THE STEAMER RICHMOND AND THE SEAMEN'S UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 54, 2 July 1887, Page 8

THE STEAMER RICHMOND AND THE SEAMEN'S UNION.

The Secretary of the Seamen's Union waited upon Messrs Donald and Edenborb'ugli this morning to make inquiry as to whether it was the intention of the firm to employ native labour in working the s.s. Richmond in the South Sea Island trade. A reply was given in the affirmative, and the Secretary of the Union considers this change to be a great hardship on unemployed European labour at this port. Messrs Donald and Edenborougb,./;.why»fc objecting to. any interference jin tile working of I their steamer in the. South Sea Island grade, point; out that native Blabotir isj'much .more; suitable ,«,th'an European labour for their work; that the natives work when required, and at a smaller rate of wage, whilst the members of the Seamen's union will only work certain hours, which'are unsuitable for; the island trade, because for, certain hours' when they are supposed to, work.-'all.'business is at a standstill at the islands. Messrs Donald and Edinborough have . also found that whilst they have been paying L 9 and L 7; a.month for firemen and seamen.''the's-si Lubeck, running a similar trade,pays her; crew L 4 and L 2 10s a month for German labour. The voyage cf the Richmondwilßbe for the most part a sea voyage her stay in Auckland being only abouttiye daysandfor theseand other reasons labour lias -been found to -be unsuitable. The-s. s.-Janet Nicoll, which is to proceed to Sydney and Newcastle, will retain her, own crew, and will also take back the; Richmond's crew, who were shipped to.,be discharged at Sydney. A native crew will be {shipped on the Rich mond, which will retaih her present Waster and officers. .»':••