STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18143, 8 July 1919, Page 6

STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS

GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS,

[From Qub Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, July 7

Another transport difficulty has given the Government concern and caused much cabling, in the special efforts la facilitate the return of the New Zealanders stranded in Sydney. There now is every prospect of their early return. Sir James Allen stated to-night that lie was informed the Manuka probably would leave Sydney to-morrow. Apparently there was a shortage of labour owing to the opidemic, which thus caused, delay. “As to the Moeraki, ’’ Sir James Allen continued, “ I considered it essential to get her away, and cabled to the Government agent in Sydney to see the president of the Seamen’s Union to deliver the following message from myself:—‘New Zealand does not desire to interfere in any way with the labour troubles existing in Sydney, but I appeal to you on behalf of the stranded New Zealanders, many of whom are suffering great hardship, to do what is in your power to remove the obstacle which prevents the steamer Moeraki sailing for New Zealand.’ Tho Seamen’s Union vice-president, owing to tho absence of the president in Melbourne, gave the agent the following answer‘ Blame the Union Company for not accepting our original offer to man the Moeraki under certain conditions. asked for without prejudice to future agreement, and advise your Government should have urged the Union Company to agree to our conditions seeing that their embargo was respousiblo for people being stranded. Consider the Union Company’s effort not sincere to repatriate people.’ ” Sir James Allen said he communicated, with the Union Company, whose Wellington manager bad no idea what were the terms referred to. On July 3 Sir James Allen sent the following cable to tho Sydney agent of the New Zealand Government: —“ I do not consider this an answer to my appeal, nnd will be' glad if the union will state whether they will respond to my appeal or whether they refuse. lam sure they misjudged the attitude of the Union Company, as 1 am certain the company is sincere in tlic desire to repatriate stranded. New Zealanders.”

Sir James Allen adds that he has received no renlv to this cable. The Union and Huddart-Parker companies undertake when boats resume to give preference to stranded New Zealanders. If the Manuka cannot accommodate all and.the Moernki fails to sail’the Government will endeavour to make other arrangements to promptly repatriate all stranded New Zealanders.