UNREST IN MERCHANT SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1248, 5 October 1911, Page 7

UNREST IN MERCHANT SERVICE.

MATES COME ASHORE. (By Telesraiih.—Press Association.) Groymouth, October 4. Tho 21 hours' notice served to owners of small steamers by tho Merchant Service Guild haying expired without an agreement being arrived at, the mates of the steamer Putiki came ashore at midday. A question has arisen whether it is lawful for tlicm to do so, as Groymouth is a river port. Captain Wahlstrom 'is waiting instructions beforo signing their discharge ■ The firemen and sailors have requested" a riso in wages as from November 1, failing compliance with which a general strike is probable. [There is little further to report.. Captain Watson (secretary 'Of the Merchant Service Guild) stated yesterday that they had informed the shipowners of their willingness to, meet them in conference. On the subject of a conference, Mr. It. C. ]?enner, of the I'atea Shipping Company, informed a reporter that they had offered the other side a conference, and had received a reply to the effect that the olfer would bo accepted on certain terms. These terms were not in accord with those proposed by the owners. However, tho latter had replied stating how far they would go ill the matter of facilitating tho bringing about of a conference, and it was possible that such a conference would bo held fo-day. Further cases of signing-off are reported. The mate of the Blenheim (which Irades to Blenheim from Wellington) signed ofT yesterday. The mate of the Queen of the South (a l'oxtou trader) signed off, but another officer signed on to take his place. The Mana left for Pntea fast night, and it is understood that the mate has given notice that ho will' leave the vessel when she returns to Wellington on Saturday.l