VOLUNTEER SEAMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 36, 11 February 1926, Page 6

VOLUNTEER SEAMEN

QUESTION OF VICTIMISATION

The following letter from the Farmers' Union Executive was read at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber <>f Commerce last evening:—,

"As your chamber is probably well aware, four passengers on the Ngaioy who had acted as volunteer seamen during the October strike/ were put ashore again after embarkation quito recently. The reason for so doing was that the crew of that ship refused to sail with these four men as passengers.

"Indignation was expressed by members of my executive that such victimisation should have been directed towards men who had helped the Dominion during • troublous times.. "I have forwarded this day a letter of protest to the manager of tbe Anchor Line, and I was directed to ask your chamber to kindly do likewise in the future interests of the Dominion."

Mr. G. Mitchell; after alluding to the protest, said he noticed that 'a statement was also made that the question would be brought before the Chamber of Commerce, but that' they did not expect any response, as the chamber appeared to bo always up against them. Mr. Mitchell took strong exception to that sentiment, because the chamber, bo far as he knew, had always , been very broadminded in its outlook on all questions; and, if they had helped anyone, they had helped the fanning community. He pointed out that members of the committee of the chamber waited upon the responsible Minister and placed their views before him. They thought it was most unjust that these men should be put off after embarkation. The treatment meted out to til? men who went overseas and helpej their country was scandalous.

After a brief discussion, it was agreed that a letter be sent to the Anchor Shipping Company asking for an explanation; also, that a complete report be submitted to the next meeting of the chamber.