NAVAL RATINGS STRIKE

Evening Star, Issue 26067, 3 April 1947, Page 6

NAVAL RATINGS STRIKE

200 TAKE DISCHARGE ONLY 25 RETORN TO DOTY HEAVY LOSS OF PAY POSSIBLE (P.A.) 'AUCKLAND, April 3. The naval ratings on strike from Devonport Base and the warship here were given' the option of returning to duty by 10 a.m. to-day and accepting whatever punishment might be given them, or being discharged from the service. Nearly 200 elected to take their discharge, only 25 deciding to return. The petty officers, who had been considering what attitude they should adopt, decided this morning to continue their normal duties. Whether the men who elected to be dismissed will lose their deferred pay is not certain. In some cases as much as £SOO is involved. Some also have back pay due. Thev may also lose the retrospective pay which they would have received under the new pay code. When the men assembled at Devonport Park again . this morning they were addressed by the executive of the Ex-naval Men’s Association, advising them to return to duty, and “ remove the pistol from the heads of the authorities.” STERN ULTIMATUM. When the men assembled outside the Naval Base gates, Commander Phipps addressed them. He said he was authorised by the Navy Board, which last night comprised the Prime Minister, acting for the Minister of Defence, and the full board, to tell all the men who had taken part “ in' this mutinous action ” that those prepared to accept the naval punishment arising from indiscipline were to return on hoard by 10 o’clock this morning. Any requests regarding pay conditions would receive atteution by the highest authority, if presented in a proper manner. “ Those who do not return by 10 a.m. will be discharged the service.” This was greeted by the majority of the ratings shouting " hurrah.” Commander Phipps . said they . were of'Opinion that it was better to have a handful of men who dould be relied upon, even if it meant setting the New Zealand Navy back five or seven years. They were quite prepared to face whatever repercussions this decision might bring,