CREW OF LIMERICK

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 17, 21 January 1937, Page 4

CREW OF LIMERICK

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND

REASONS FOR STRIKE

The reason for the strike on board the New Zealand freighter Limerick at Honolulu recently was given in a statement issued by 31 members of the crew who returned to the Dominion as passengers by the Aoransi. states the "New Zealand Herald." Most of the men propose to go to Wellington with the intention of placing the matter in the hands of the Government, to which they have already written.

The men include 18 deck hands, 13 engine-room hands, and one cook. Another man concerned in the strike remained in Honolulu, as he was an American citizen, having joined the vessel at San Pedro when one of the crew was sent ashore ill. The statement on behalf of the men was issued by Messrs. J. Faulkner and C. Carline.

The men pointed out that, although they stopped work at Vancouver on November 23 in sympathy with the International Longshoremen's Association, they agreed to sail with a "hot" cargo, loaded by non-strikers, the action being endorsed by strikers ashore. At Honolulu they were prepared to provide steam and sail if local union men were employed to work the ship, but when the captain would not discuss this decision with them they slopped work.

All lights, steam, and fresh water were shut off from the crew's quarters, and meals ceased to be provided, the men stated. Therefore, they had to buy food ashore, where also they had to pay for shaving, bathing, and other services. The ship was ready to sail on December 23, but the men notified the captain that they were not prepared to sail unless certain demands were met. Among these were claims that sustenance rates according to their award be allowed for meals obtained ashore, that one dollar a day be paid for incidental expenses, that an advance on wages due be paid, and that there be no "loggings" or victimisations.

The demands were refused by the captain, and the men wall-red ashore. The ship was put back a day. but a conference of the two parties proved unsuccessful. Further discussions also were unsuccessful, and the ship eventually sailed on December 26. From December 28 until the Aorangi sailed on January 6 the British Consul paid the men two dollars a day each.