TROUBLE SPREADS TO THE LEITRIM

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 51, 28 August 1925, Page 8

TROUBLE SPREADS TO THE LEITRIM

BRITISH SHIPOWNERS' ATTITUDE AN i 'UNCONSTITUTIONAL" STRIKE. The trouble on overseas ships has spread to the Leitrim, the men of which vessel came out on strike last evening. There is no defmito indication of active support from local Labour organisations. The views of New Zealand representatives of overseas shipowners, as expressed to a "Post" representative, show no likelihood of them receding from the position they have taken up. A Press cablegram from London, published in "The Post" last evening, stated that Mr. Hensen, assistant-secre-tary .of the British Seamen's Union, had denied reports current in Australia to the effect that Mr. Havelock Wilson, secretary of the union, had agreed to the reduction in wages behind the backs of the seamen, and that a further reduction of £1 was to be made in September. As bearing on this matter the New Zealand representatives of the overseas shipping companies, sitting in Wellington, last evening received the following cablegram from their respective head offices in London:— All rates of wages having been constitutionally fixed in accordance with precedent and through National Maritime Board, which covers a!l grades of British seamen through their accredited representatives, British shipowners definitely decline to concede the demands of the strikers. SHIPOWNERS WILL NOT RECEDE FROM POSITION Mr. James Findlay, Shaw, Savill Company, when seen by "The Post" to-day, said : "It was quite clear from the above dispatch that the British shipowners will not recede from the position they have taken up in face of the demands of the seamen. The strike was not only unauthorised, but was also unconstitutional ; moreover, it was a distinct breach of the agreement made between accredited representatives of the seamen and the shipowners." Mr. Findlay also remarked that for many years past disputes between shipowners and seamen had been dealt with by the National Maritime Board, a body composed of representatives of shipowners and representatives oi seamen, firemen, and stewards*

"The decisions of the National Maritime Board," lie added, "have been productive of harmonious working between shipowners and seamen, and have enabled the trade, o£ the Empire to be carried on in an efficient manner. Up to this point the decisions of the National Maritime Board have been loyally accepted by the seamen of the Brk'sh Mercantile Marine. It is, therefore, greatly to be regretted that the present trouble should nave arisen, for, so far, owing to the loyal manner in which the seamen of the British Mercantile Marine have carried out their duties and obligations, many steamers have thus been kept running that otherwise would have had to be laid up, swelling the ranks of the unemployed in the Old Country. If, however, the trouble -that has arisen continues, it seems to me inevitable that many British steamers will have, to be laid up, to the detriment of the British shipping .industry and its seamen, but to the enrichment of our' maritime rivals, who have the trading advantage of much cheaper labour and less onerous shipping legislative restrictions."

Inquiries made of other overseas shipping companies' representatives elicited the opinion that the present impasse aggravates the position of the British shipowner facing so much idle tonnage at Home, and in keen competition with foreigners so far as concerned tonnage afloat. Furthermore, the existing will prevent British shipowners making commitments as to future business. This will not only react in favour of the foreigner, who will "lift" cargo available for British ships, but will seriously reduce the amount of employment available for British seamen. The probability of the passing of Australia wool cargo business from its accustomed British shipping channels to foreigners was mentioned, with the consequent loss of employment by British seamen to foreigners who are paid less and work under more onerous conditions. LEITRIM'S MEN ASHORE The overseas seamen of the Federal Stsam Navigation Company's Leitrim came ashore last evening, the whole crew, with the exception of the engineers and officers, refusing work. Hints of such intended action were made earlier in the week by a fireman, greaser, and steward. The Leitrim was to have sailed this afternoon for London and Southampton, but the weather had delayed loading, and, even without the action of the.seamen, she would probably not have sailed to-day. The position will bo more definite when loading has been completed.

Other Home vessels in port are the Turakina, of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and the Tainui, of the Shaw, Savill, Company. The Turakina is not due to complete discharge till the middle of next week,' and as the action taken by the men has in all cases closely preceded the sailing hour, the seamen thus securing wages up to date, it is unlikely that any developments will occur shortly on this vessel.