COASTAL SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 247, 16 October 1917, Page 4

COASTAL SEAMEN'S STRIKE.

COURT RESERVES DECISION, (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. Further hearing of the application by the inspector of awards for an interprei tation of certain clauses in a dispute in an existing agreement between the coastal shipowners and seamen occupied the ; Arbitration Court this afternoon. Addressing the Court on behalf of the owners, Mr Weston said the union had attempted to take advantage of the term* of the new agreement to secure more overtime. He declared that requests for two men in a watch was raised not for the safety of the public, but to secure an interpretation which would lead to more overtime. One man in a watch did not mean only one on duty. There was always an officer on the bridge, and in bad weather the captain was either on the ; bridge as well, or within easy call. The owners did not wish to lose their boats, or have them damaged, and therefore would not send them to sea inadequately staffed. The one man in a watch system had obtained for about fifty years. A number of ships' officers gave evidence, all agreeing that one man in a watch -yrae sufficient. Mr Weston was about to call further evidence, but the President said it would be unnecessary. The Court reserved its decision