THE PUTIKI TROUBLE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 144, 20 June 1913, Page 5

THE PUTIKI TROUBLE.

QUESTION OF THE TERMINAL PORT.

MEN'S ACTION CONTRARY TO

LAW.

[Press Association.]

WANGANUI, June 19

In regard to the deadlock on the Putiki, the men state thkt the steamer has not been to Wellington for three months, and may not be there for another six months. Notwithstanding t/his the articles the men are asked to sign specify Wellington as tho terminal p>rt, and the men hold that the Act provides that when a ship has completed a round trip the terminal port is the last port reached, which in the present instance is Wanganui.

The soame-n contend that their position is based on the fa«t that if an accident oceuriTed to one of their'number between the date fixed as the termination of the articles and the actual time- of signing, no damages could be claimed from the company. The Collector of Customs has informed the seamen that their action is contrary to law. :