MERCHANT SERVICE DISPUTE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 46, 24 February 1913, Page 3

MERCHANT SERVICE DISPUTE

. ♦ AUCKLAND, 23rd February. Upon enquiry yesterday' it Was found that no official notification .of any arrangement with" the Australian marine officers in regard to the merchant service dispute has been received locally, though the opinion was expressed that it was quite likely that a move would be made to "secure general co-operation. In speaking to a Star reporter an' officer said that the position was becoming more intolerable every day. The" "best men in -the service were looking for positions ashore. Although the shipping companies - allowed firemen and sailors a great deal more latitude than formerly, officers were still expected to get the same amount of work done, and to get the vessel away to time. The shipowners' motto appeared to be "peace at any price/ and in consequence if an officer had any difference with • the men he' could nod count upon -the support of his company. No one was more • keenly aware of. this state of affairs thah the man in the forecastle, and he was, quick to. take advantage of the position under such . circumstances. It was well nigh impossible -to maintain discipline, and he felt • that unless some determined step was taken by officers or " shipowners there was serious trouble ahead for JSew Zealand shipping.