COLOURED CREWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 204, 29 August 1910, Page 6

COLOURED CREWS.

SEAMEN'S UXIGN CIRCULAR. (Dj Xeiegraph. —Palliarnentary Exporter.) j WELLINGTON, this day. ] In connection with the agitation started ; in Auckland some time ago against tiie j employment of coloured crews on P. and ; O. boat*, it is interesting to note that j the Peaxaen's Cnion of New' Zealand has issued a circular letter referring to tiie of "La-jear-mannisd vessels" in :!*• intercolonial tride. Tlie (,'nion ■ takes the view that the participation of | thg Home-going steamers in the service.-; oa the Australian Coast and between the Cornrnorjwealth and Sew .Zealand ecu- J ftiiutes a tf.-icrus threat to the Ausrtra-! Jasian mercantile marine , , and that the remedy lie- in drastic legislation, possibly supporti i by subsidies. "Although it i= onl;.- in its infancy," state.- the circular, "this incursion on ioeal interests is beginning to show in appreciable effect, and. if extended, of Tfiiich -there is -every likelihood, i; mnrt ir"ati the gradual and, ultimately, the absolute extinction of a trade built up by local interests, manned and controlled by our own compatriots, who are a considerable asset to Australasia, and whose services may be xeqairej. should the day of agirf-rslon ever reach, our shores. To thfd"W these men out of employment would mean national suicide. Besides which we are handing over to the forei;mer our very existence by giving him control of our ssaborne ira.de. which is practically the life breath of New Zcaknd. TVe contend that such, an important issue should never bo permitted to get out of .our own control, and should maintained at all ham-rds against all coinc-rs."'