UNSTISFACTORY CREW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15521, 31 January 1914, Page 10

UNSTISFACTORY CREW

TROUBLE ON AORANGI.

OFFICERS' DIFFICULTIES.

MEN LEAVE AT SAN FRANCISCO. [by TELEGRAPH.—r-BESS association.] Wellington, Friday. On the last run of the Aorangi from Wellington to San Francisco, the "scratch" crew of firemen, which had signed on in consequence of the strike, failed to give anything like satisfaction. Some of the men caused a great deal of trouble on board, and were responsible for much unpleasantness.

The facts were gathered to-day when the vessel arrived back from the American port. The Aorangi arrived at Wellington tiom Sydney on December 4, when the strike was still at his height, and, after some delay, sailed for San Francisco early on Sunday morning, December 7, two days late.

Most of the firemen and trimmers, some of whom had „ ned on at Sydney, and otters at Wellington, were "amateurs," and it seems they did not take kindly to the work. They did their dutiej well tor a start, but soon the work became monotonous, and there were signs of weariness. , The engineers had to keep' the men at it all tho time, and even then they faded to get satisfactory results. Reeling on board was not of the best, and there were threats of more serious behaviour when Papeete was reached. Most of tho men left the ship, with the evident intention of having "a day out." ihey ; tad it, and were not in their places when the boat was ready to sail. Many became intoxicated, it is alleged, and it was with some difficulty that they were eventually placed on board. The stateBed a revolver had to be used is

*»^ 6 .i me . n continued to work unsatisfactorily i™ the remainder of the ran. On arrival at San Francisoo* tho majority of 2?*3?i.y l ft hi 4 °* uMd the trouble, stated that % they had had enough of the 22!' nd ]^ ped . at the opportunity to sign off. No obstacles were placed in their way, and no difficulty was exS&J?'*?*** their laces - Consequently, the Aonngi shipped practically a new crew of firemen andtrimmers. The Union Company was under no obligation to bring the othe- men back to their home ports, as they signed off of their own accord. .-