THE FREE MEAL TROUBLE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 47, 25 February 1933, Page 22

THE FREE MEAL TROUBLE

One of the lesser troubles on the Wellington waterfront, and one which seems to have been accentuated in recent months, is the manner in which certain individuals exploit ships'.crews during the meal hours. It has been a custom, and one that seems almost established by long practice, for -these men to invite themselves on to vessels and have meals at the expense of the shipping companies. The police pay regular visits to vessels in port during meal times and forea those who are not invited on board.and who are eating in the crew'a mess, to leave. As many .as a score of these individuals have been thrown ofi a ship at one time. Yet so long has the practice existed that some feel that tneir dignity is being damaged when they are obliged to depart. These "free mealers" board certain ships about meal hours under the pretence of "seeing someone," or having "a friend on board," and intimidate the crew into giving them food.' This Only occurs when no offi.-

cers are about, but the crew, knowing, that if they fail to comply with the demands, and faced with the possibility that they may one day be "out of a job," fear the prospect of being shunned by their fellows if they were ever placed in the same position. Under these circumstances meals are usually produced promptly, and on some occasions, it is reported, cooks actually prepare for the daily round of "visitors." On occasions, also, the crew is obliged to stand back from the messroom while the "free-mealers" eat, after which the ships' hands may have their meal. One of the troubles at prosent in dealing with the question is that "watch-outs" ara frequently posted, and give ■ the others warning of the approach Of police.