SHIPPING TROUBLE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17982, 26 December 1918, Page 4

SHIPPING TROUBLE.

SEVERAL VESSELS HELD UP.

AUSTRALIANS SEEK ASSISTANCE.

[Per Pukss Association.]

WELLINGTON, December 24.

The hold-up of the Makura at Sydney finds a counterpart in the position here. Owing to the difficulty of getting firemen to go to sea, the Pateena has been laid up for the past fortnight, which is the busiest season of the year for passenger vessels, and as the stokehold could not be manned, the ship was paid off yesterday. The Kurow has also been detained here for the past week for lack of firemen, and as she carries 10,000 bales, the delay is a serious matter. , _ The Australians stranded in Wellington have cabled to the Acting-Premier of the Commonwealth asking that action should bo taken to relieve tho position, as some of the visitors are seriously embarrassed by the delay, and the New Zealand Government and shipping people are unable to give any satisfaction.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN AUSTRALIA

INTERVIEW MINISTER

By Telejrrnph—Press Association—Copyright

SYDNEY, December 24

A deputation of stranded New Zealanders urged the Government to give them assistance to enable them to return, to New Zealand. Mr Fuller, in reply, said that the Government made representations to the Union Company vrhich were not acceptable, but he believed that the position would be reviewed, probably in the first week of the new year.

THE GOVERNMENT'S ACTION.

Vm Pr.r.B3 Association.]

WELLINGTON, December 24.

The Government does not consider it to be a wiso policy for the country to become responsible for the New Zea,landers detained in'Sydney by the shipping deadlock. Sir James Allen says that he has telegraphed to the Government agent in Sydney to see that none of our people are left destitute. Tlio Government, -could not advise the shipping company to pay the men's exorbitant demands, even in an exceptional case, for that wo-lj invite.,a similar demand from ev ship on the seas. It is understood th;;t there is no prospect ot the firemen fuming to till after the holidays.