COASTAL SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 246, 15 October 1917, Page 5

COASTAL SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

BEFORE THE COURT. UNION NOT REPRESENTED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Application by the Inspector of Awards for an interpretation of certain clauses ma dispute in an existing agreement between the coastal shipowners and seamen came before the Arbitration Court to-day. The Seamen's Union was no' represented. Mr. Justice Stringer said it was to be regretted that the union was not present to assist the Court in interpreting the agreement. ° Mr. T. S. Weston, for the shipowners, suggested a short adjournment in order to give the union a final chance of being represented, which it might do on a work of warning or advice from the Court. Mr. Justice Stringer, after consultation with his colleagues, said: "It appears that the union has had ample notice to attend, and I don't really think there should be any adjournment. I cannot pretend not to know what i 3 going on. I see by the papers that the union says it will have nothing to do with the Arbitration Court. I do not think we should have to go and petition the union to come here. I think the case should go on. Mr. Weston said the Court, as a commission under the Regulations of the Trade and Commerce Act. was being asked to decide if, where the manning scale of the Shipping and Seamen Act. allows small vessels to carry less than six able seamen, it is essential to the. safety of such vessel? that two deck hands should be employed on deck at the same time, in addition to the officer in charge. Mr. Justice Stringer: That is a most important point. Mr. Weston then proceeded to ope* the case.