PREFERENCE TO BRITISH.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15560, 8 April 1916, Page 6

PREFERENCE TO BRITISH.

ACTION BY SEAMEN'S UNION

Some time ago the Federated Seamen's Union of New Zealand resolved to approach tho shipping companies with a view to obtaining preference for British seamen who have enlisted as against foreign seamen who have ontcred the servicc since the outbreak of war. Tho, Executive Council decided to communicate also with the Australian Union ou the matter. Up to the present no reply has been received from Australia, and in the meantime tho following letter has been addressed to New Zealand shipowners: —"Tho Executive Council of the Federated Seamen's Union has had under consideration the case of those seamen of the New Zealand merchant servieo who have enlisted with the forces since the outbreak of wai'i; and. seeing that these men havo left their positions on tho ships to defend their country (including its commercial enterprises), it. was concluded that the shipowners _should, in return, render some practical recognition of tho fact on their return to the dominion. The Council accordingly resolved to recommend that these men be given the first opportunity of rejoining your vcsso| s by eliminating in their favour those foreigners who have engaged in the New Zealand mercantile marine since the declaration of war, and wc shall be pleased to receive from you an early intimation that this will be done unon the individual concerned producing evidence from the military authorities that he was engaged on active servjee. and is a member of the above Union: and that your ships' officers "ill be instructed accordingly."