THE MAORI’S FIREMEN.

Mataura Ensign, 30 January 1915, Page 5

THE MAORI’S FIREMEN.

PJ6B UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION WELLINGTON, Jail. 30. Trouble on the steamer Aiaori has been brewing for some time, the firemen being umvillng to work under one of the engineers. The climax was reached last night, the men refusing to go on duty unless the engineer in question was dismissed, but the company refused. There is a shortage of firemen just now owing to men volunteering for the front. Only this week a Union boat was lickl up at Dunedin for three days on this account. It is understood that the Aiaori’.s men gave no notice of their .intentions and also that- they have been requested' by the union to bring the vessel to Wellington where their grievance can, be properly considered. The union secretory refuses to make any statement in the meantime. The company has'made arrangements to cope with the position. The Waliine and the Hudd'art- Parker boat. Westra]i,a will br.ng the passengers and' mails to-morrow, and to-night the Patecua will leave here for Lyttelton, returning oil' Monday night, if necessary. Tins will: interfere with the Picton-Nclson service and therefore the Ahapourika will leave on Alomlay night for Picton and Nelson, retiming via Picton on Tuesday.