MORE MEN ABSENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22315, 28 April 1947, Page 4

MORE MEN ABSENT

GROWS DENIED SHOWDOWN EXPECTED (P.A.) AUCKLAND, April 26. Pressure groups outside the Navy have been causing dissension, according to strong rumours current to-day. With 34 junior ratings who have been “on liberty” from the cruiser Bellona now absent without leave because, it is believed, they are dissatisfied with conditions, it is being said that ratings prepared to walk off the cruiser have been given assurances of employment in a particular union, This reported aspect of the trouble at the Devonport naval base was, however, denied by various spokesmen for the ratings, who said this afternoon that they were not aware of any pressure groups being active. They said they were determined to handle their own problems without outside intervention.

Naval officers are not prepared to express an opinion, but there appear to be indications that a “showdown” may occur in a few days. Already 100 junior ratings have indicated to a “strike committee,” which has been appointed, that they will not return to duty until they receive a satisfactory reply to 10 grievances submitted today to the commanding officer. By Monday, when all the ship's company is due to return from leave, it is possible that many more ratings will be absent. A spokesman for the “strike committee” said this afternoon that the men were not seeking their discharge. They wished to remain in the Navy, but if their requests were not granted they wanted the option of taking their discharge.

Included in their grievances, he said, were matters concerning the new pay rates and also taxation and the period for which gratuities were granted.