NIGHT-WATCH AT SEA.

North Otago Times, Volume CVI, Issue 13975, 8 September 1917, Page 2

NIGHT-WATCH AT SEA.

TROUBLE WITH SEAMEU OF SMALL CRAFT.

. REFUSAL TO CIO ALONE ON WATCH. - . (Per Press Association,). WELLINGTON; ' September 7..' • The masters of several local coastal steamers this morning' received' iiQticcs from the inch that the latter would not sail to-night unless two men \v;crc employed in the watch. Tliq vessels affected'arc: Huia, Queen of the South, Kaitoa, and Blenheim,' Th'e trouble is the 'OlllOOlllO of a dispute .regarding the intci'prcation of the eight-hours clause in the new ■seamen agreement. Conferences have been held regarding this mutter this,week, between the Seamen's and the Shipowners' Association, but no agreement was reached, and the'shipowners-propo-ed- to take the mutter to the Arbitration Court.

Mr JVi'l;, chairmai! of the Shipowner;' Coinmitti'e, Ma es tha' the number'of men iu eriinprisc the watch has not previously been rubject .to any demand by the men, nor was it mentioned at the recent conferences. It has been the euctora for sonic time io have only one man on. the watch on smaller vessels, Prior • to the new agreement, there were two on watch, but generally one remained at the wheel and the other turned in. Then when the new agreement imposed more rigid conditions regarding hours, the owners discontinued the practice of paying the man for the time spent in bunk. llic Minister of Marine is considering the.position which will arise if the men do not go to sea to night, since they will have broken the legal require-' went of twenty-four hours' notice.'

The seamen's erpresentative stated that the men were taking action be-.' cause they considered the present practice dangerous, as the'steersman, with eyes on the compass, could no; keep a proper look-out. '

ESIALL COASTAL BOATS HELD UP. DEADLOCK PREVAILS. (Per Press Assoelation), "\V.KLLINGTON, September 7. None of 'lie small steamers affected !i) the seamen's dispute sailed to-night, and it is not known when they will be able j gut away.