MANUKA PAYS OFF

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 199, 23 May 1925, Page 16

MANUKA PAYS OFF

MOERAKI LEAVES FOR SYDNEY AGITATOR’S PROPOSALS REJECTED As the trouble in connection with the demands by the crew of the Manuka regarding their food was unsettled, the steamer commenced to pay off yesterday. Some of the sailors signed off, and the remainder of the crew will attend tile Government Shipping Office at 9 o’clock this morning to do likewise. The disaffection among the Manuka’s crew is attributed to a member of the l.W.W.’s Melbourne branch. He is said to have been the principal agitator in urging the men to demand improvements in the quality and variety of the food served to them. I.W.W. “stickers” printed in red letters were posted up in and around the forecastle, inciting the men to adopt go-slow tactics. The agitator had already made two round trips in the Manuka, and his inflpence resulted in the final hold-up of the ship. The Union Company declined to sign on the ringleader again when the Manuka received her article at Wellington on Wednesday. In terms of the Shipping and Seamen Act he was given a free* pass back to .Australia. A considerable amount of I.W.W. literature has been seized by the Customs officials on the vessel on her last three. trips to New Zealand.

Prior to the Moeraki’s departure from Wellington for Sydney yesterday the agitator addressed the vessel's crew, and made an appeal for their “solidarity.” However, he received little response, and returned ashore. Several of his shipmates were on the wharf, and they joined with him in singing “Solidarity Forever.” When the Mocraki was about to sail one of her firemen absented himself and there was a delay of about an hour while a substitute was obtained. The vessel sailed at .12.15 pan. for Sydney, much to the relief of her 300 passengers) At times it was feared that a hold-up would occur, but the crew rejected the proposals of the trouble maker.

The agitator is looked upon with an unfriendly eye by the Customs Department. It is understood that his deportation back to Australia is under official consideration.