TAVIUNI HELD UP

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 January 1914, Page 7

TAVIUNI HELD UP

TROUBLE WITH FIREMEN

WELLINGTON, January 27.

A difference of opinion has arisen between the Union Steam Ship Company and the firemen in regard to the manning of the coastal cargo steamer Tavinnh The vessel arrived at Wellington on Sunday last from the south, and was to have sailed yesterday for New Plymouth and the West Coast. Yesterday morning, however, one of the firemen signed off the vessels’s articles, and the company has since been unable to fill the vacancv.

Enquiries as to the reason for this were made by a Post reporter, and it was learned that the firemen are requesting the provision of an extra hand in the stokehold. The legal complement is three firemen and two trimmers, and this, it is stated, lias proved satisfactory to both sides in the past. Now the men are asking for six firemen, and no trimmers. They sa.y that the vessel needs that number, but the Union Company denies the point strongly.

It is believed that the men would not refuse to go to sea if the present vacancy was filled, but obstacles have been placed in the way of the company in its endeavour to secure a fireman. There are plenty out of work, but they refuse a berth on the Taviunx.

Mr Young informed a reporter that he “knew nothing of the matter,” and would refuse to say anything if he did know.