Cooks Govt told to hire N.Z. seamen

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32789, 14 December 1971, Page 23

Cooks Govt told to hire N.Z. seamen

CN.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Dec. 13. The Cook Islands Government has failed in a bid to free its ships from New i Zealand union control, and has been told to take on New Zealand crews. The warning was given at the week-end by the Minister of Labour (Mr Marshall) in a telegram to Cook Islands Government representatives in Auckland. Cook Islands Government representatives alleged that Mr Marshall had “sold out” the Cook Island people by giving in to militant unions. The shipping adviser to the Cook Islands Government. Mr J. L. Julian said Mr Marshall had condoned demands by the now-defunct Seamen’s: Union. The Cook Islands Govern-

ment wants a crew of Islanders for its ship Lorena. Talks between Government representatives and New Zealand Government officials were held three weeks ago to! discuss the proposal. Mr Julian said Mr Mars-* t ill’s telegram read: “Strongly, advise you to man Lorena with New Zealand crewmen,: otherwise you will have trouble operating.” Mr Julian said unsuccessful talks had been held on Friday with officials of the Waterside Workers’ Union, in Auckland and representatives of the defunct Seamen’s Union. Seamen’s representatives had indicated they would not co-operate unless New Zealand crews were taken on. Mr Julian will make new approaches to the New Zealand Government on the issue.