IDLE STEAMERS

Evening Star, Issue 20591, 17 September 1930, Page 1

IDLE STEAMERS

UNION COMPANY'S FLEET

[Frou Our Pakluwf.ktauy Hiportks.]

WELLINGTON, September 10. Tho tying up of many of tho Union Steam Ship Company’s steamers owing to lack of trade was the subject of an urgent question by the Rev. Clyde Carr (Tmiaru) to tho Minister of Marino in the House to-day, tho questioner being of opinion that if the Gov eminent could use New Zealand steamers for tho carriage of Ocean Island and Nauru phosphates, and for the transport of hardwood polos from Australia, the situation might bo relieved Ho was officially informed that 950 members of the Seamen’s Union are out of employment. Mr Donald (Minister of Marino) replied that, out of the eleven Union Company steamers unemployed,_ eight were colliers, which had to be tied up owing to slackness in tho coal trade It was impossible to find work for tiles'* vessels at present, and as for the suggestion that they bo used to carry phosphate rock, these arrangements were in the hands of tbo Australian Government, and it was impossible for tho New Zealand Government to give assistance in that direction. He would look into tbo question of using Neiy Zealand tonnage for the transport of hardwood poles.