TROUBLESOME FIREMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16098, 11 December 1915, Page 8

TROUBLESOME FIREMEN.

DELAY TO A STEAMER^

Ukttsttai, trouble with firemen has ? been experienced by the steamer Westralia, ; iwhich arrived at Auckland from Welling- * ton at forty-five minutes past ten o'clock ' last night, over a day late. Her departure from Melbourne was only accomplished after much trouble, and she was further delayed at. Wellington. In the -P'"■'-:' first place, at Melbourne, the firemen desired to sign an agreement which -' ■.' would enable them to leave -in ..' a body, if they chose, withiit 24 hours at any port in New Zea- . land. High rates were asked for working the ship to New Zealand and the president of the Seamen's Union guaranteed to find men to get the ship away, Finally • the Westralia sailed, the firemen obtaining i special terms. In the meantime TOO bags 3 Enghsb mail were h aid up. Even then, ~ the vessel was only enabled to leave by two passengers signing on as trimmers. At Wellington, three firemen did % not- ; return, and the ship was delayed for 24 Uhours. ,;_" The Westralia is due to leave for Wei- v. Engton about eleven o'clock this evening. 5;