ALCINOUS LOADED

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 103, 29 October 1945, Page 8

ALCINOUS LOADED

VOLUNTARY LABOUR

CONSULAR STAFF ASSISTS

All methods to induce the waterside workers in Wellington to alter their stand with regard* to the loading of cargo on the Netherlands vessel Alcinous having failed, she was loaded by voluntary labour during the weekend, and will sail tomorrow. The work was performed by the Consul for the Netherlands (Mr. M. F. Vigeveno) and his staff, the vessel's crew, and members of the Dutch community. Adequate police protection was provided, and there were no untoward incidents. A few New Zealanders who became aware of what was going on also gave a helping hand.

Jonkheer Dr. W. E. Van Panhuys, the newly-appointed Consul-General for the Netherlands, who arrived by plane from Auckland yesterday morning visited the Alcinous in the afternoon. He at once donned overalls, like his fellow-countrymaa, Mr. Vigeveno, and joined the working party. The Alcinous had been idle in Wellington since October 16, when the waterside workers ceased loading the vessel in sympathy with the Indonesian claims for independence. The Wellington cargo was made up of medicines, hospital equipment, and other goods for the relief of the civilian population of the Netherlands Indies. The cargo, though valuable, was not voluminous, and comprised only 300 tons. Working in one gang over the weekend, with other helpers bringing the cargo alongside the ship, the task of loading her was completed by the voluntary labourers in under 12 hours, which was considered a creditable average, particularly in view of the fact that weather conditions were not good and that the party lacked specialised loading equipment. In view of recent developments, the Alcinous will not now call at Auckland, as had been arranged previously.