R.A.N. TROUBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 31, 6 February 1937, Page 22

R.A.N. TROUBLE.

RATINGS COMPLAIN. CRUISER DISAFFECTIONS. HARSH CONDITIONS ? SVDXKV. .Tamiary 30. Complaints that the conditions on -.card the lioyal Australian Xavy .-ruisers are too severe, and that privileges have been whittled down, are .igitnting ratings «n H.M.A.S. Sydney, 11.M.A.5. Aiistrnlin ami H.M.A.S. C'anlierra. and there is a possibility of -crious ti-ouhle. liatiugs n ilt liered in the L-ity to-day to dUiis-' their gric\aiu-cs, and there' was a suggestion that the .•misers would not to join in the military i:nd naval cxcici-es at .Icrvis Day. 'it was definitely stated to-day, however, that they would leave, though :i niimler of ratings declared that they would not rejoin the ships. The Kear-Admiral in cominaml of the -i|iindrou (liear-Adiniral K. H. (). I.anel'oole) on .lanuatv _!' r-eni an adilre.-s to the men urging loyalty according to the host traditions of the Xavy. The complaints of the men can he set harsh penalties enforced for trivial offences; many privileges formerly "ranted withdrawn; dress regulations mitigate against comfort. One rating from the Canberra said: "We've heen treated hadlv. but the men will do anything for Captain Wilson. They just about worship him. lie has always given us a square deal. We are up n't .">.:!() a.m.. and with time otf for meals we r.:c kept going until 4 p.m. Then we have watches at night. '"Act Y.-.i stations' is .sounded during the ni-V. and everyone has to turn out. We don't get enough sleep. We are not likely to have another week-end in Sydney for a long time, and many men have wives and children here."