LOYAL TO THE UNION COMPANY

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14823, 14 November 1913, Page 11

LOYAL TO THE UNION COMPANY

MASTERS, OFFICERS, AND ENGINEERS.

The masters, officers, and engineers have given unanimous and striking proof of their- loyalty to the Union Company in the present crisis. Those who are not manning the ferry steamers are doing yeoman service ■in tho handling of cargo at Wellington. Their expert supervision discounts any lack of skill on tho part of the new unioniste, and the willingness shown by all is said to be making for unusually rapid handling of cargo. Well-known masters are enjoying their novel experiences as winch and iydranlic cranedrivers on tho steamers in Wellington and several of them have been doing good work in coaling gangs. The mastors, officers, and engineers of the steamers laid up at Lyttelton have all volunteered for work if required. MAORI MAY BE MANNED. While the Mnpourika and Pateena have successfully re-started the ferryservice, there will bo need for a larger steamer to cope with the rush of Carnival Week visitors returning North to-morrow night. It is understood that an effort is to be made to commission the Maori, which has been laid ut> at Lyttellon for over a week. The services of those stand ing-5y the laid-up ships in Lyttelton will probably be accepted, and thero, is little doubt that by drawing on the crew of the Pateena a full crew of colunteers will be secured to man the Maori. .DEPARTURES FOR WELLINGTON. Tho Manuka sailed at 7.15 p.m. for Sydney via Wellington, taking a fairly large number of passengers and a heavy mail for both porte. Madame Clara Butt and company -were passengers by the steamer. Tho Pateena, which was also heavily booked, sailed for Welling.ton at 8.30 p.m. A number of extra stewards from ships laid up at Lyttelton signed on in the Pateena. The departure of the Manuka was "watched by very few, but there was a big crowd on the wharf when tho Pateena left. There was a good staff of police present, but' there was nothing in tho naturo of a demonstration, tne strikers and their associates being absolutely silent. Tho Mapourika left Wellington for Lyttelton shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday, and is due about 9 o'clock' this morning. She will sail on her return North on arrival of the 5.2 p.m. train.