THE SHIPPING DISPUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16671, 16 October 1917, Page 5

THE SHIPPING DISPUTE.

APPLICATION TO COURT. UNION NOT REPRESENTED. [by telegraph.— association.] WELLINGTON, Monday. As application by the inspector of awards for an interpretation of certain clauses in a dispute in an existing agreement between the coastal shipowners and seamen came before the Arbitration Court to-day. Tho Seamen's Union was not represpnted., ilr. Justice Stringer said it was to be " vetted that the union was not present to assist the Court in interpreting the agreement. 111. T. S. Weston, for the shipowners, suggested a short adjournment, in order to give the union a final chance of being represented, which it might do on a word of warning or advice from the Court. Mr. Justice Stringer, after consultation with his colleagues, said : "It appears that the union has had ample notice to attend, and I do not really think there should be any adjournment. I cannot pretend not to know what is going on. I see by the papers that the union says it will have nothing to do with the Arbitra tion Court. I do not think we should have to go and petition the union to come here. I think the case should go on. Mr. Weston said the Court, as a commission under the Regulations of the Trade and Commerce Act, was being asked to decide if, where the manning scale of the Shipoing and Seamen Act allow 3 small vessels to carry less than six able seamen, it is essential to the safety of such vessels that two deck hands should be employed on deck at the same time, in addition to the officer in charge. Mr. Justice Stringer: That is a most important point. Addressing the Court on behalf of the owners. Mr. Weston said the union had attempted to take advantage of the terms of the new agreement to secure more overtime. He declared that requests for two men in a water, was raised not for the safetv of the public, but to secure an interpretation which would 'ead to more overtime. One man in a watch did not mean only one en duty. There was always an officer on the bridge, and in bad weather the captain was either on ,l ie br'dee as well, or within easy call. The owners did not wish to lose their boats, or have them damaged, and therefore wou'd not send them to sea inadequately staffed The one man in a watch system had obtained for about fifty years. A number of ships' officers gave evidence, all agreeing that one man in a watch was sufficient. Mr. Weston was about to call further evidence, but- the president said it would be unnecessary. The Court reserved its decision.