COASTER IDLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 114, 17 May 1938, Page 8

COASTER IDLE.

KAIMIRO HELD UP. FIREMAN DISMISSED. "REj» UNSATISFACTORY." Assortinjr that one of their number had boon dismissed without an explanation satisfactory to them, firemen of the I nion .Steam Ship Company's coaster Kaimiro refused to take the vessel to sea yesterday, and the ship remained idle to-day. The dispute U not expected to involve other ships. The. Kaimiro, which is usually employed transporting coal from Crevmouth and Westport to Auckland and Portland, arrived in port from Wellington early yesterday morning with general cargo. The vessel was worked l iy longshore labour in the normal way. but after a meeting the firemen decided not to take the ship to sea without the rei urn of the man wlio was dismissed.

It is assorted by a spokesman <,f the iti'w that at midnight on Sunday the man was handed notice of dismissal without any explanation. At a later juncture he was informed that his engagement had been terminated for what the crew regard as a trivial breach, which, the firemen contend, has nothing whatever to do with the Shipping and Soamen's Act.

Endeavours to have the man replaced met with no success, and the crow declined to sail one short. They requested the return of (lie fireman.

That was not granted, and a subsequent offer by the company that the man be allowed to return aboard for the voyage south for the dispute to be investigated in Wellington did not moot with the approval of the crew. Their claim is. that they want his unconditional reinstatement.

To-day the vessel was pet down for a noon sailing, but this afternoon, when the crow wore .still adhering to the decision for ,i settlement on the spot, she still lay in her berth at Prince\s wharf.

Xejrotiiitions for a settlement wore conducted this morning between the owners and union officials.

It is hold by the owners that under the provisions of the award encracroment may ho terminated on either side by 24 hours' notice, with no necessity for any ox phi nation being given.