THE TALUNE DELAYED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17329, 28 November 1919, Page 6

THE TALUNE DELAYED.

CREW REFUSE TO LEAVE.

QUESTION OF VOTING.

PEOBABLY SAILING TO-DAY.

The Island steamer Talune was unable to sail for the Western Pacific group yesterday, owing to members of tho crew refusing to leave Auckland before they had recorded their votes in connection with the coming general elections. The vessel, in all probability, will not return to Auckland until after December 17, the date of the elections, and some of the members of the crew, who hold property in Auckland, considered that if they left yesterday, in addition to losing their vote, their names would be struck off the rolls for the succeeding election- The opinion was also expressed that a scheme might be devised whereby seamen might vote at sea, an official of the ship acting as returning officer, as was done on transports which were at sea at the time the prohibition poll was held last April. Directly the Union Steam Ship Company officials heard of the men's action they telegraphed, through the Customs Department, to the authorities in Wellington in the endeavour to devise a means of meeting the men's demand. Last evening a reply was received from Wellington stating'that the writs would probably be issued to-day, and the men would thus be enabled to vote under a seamen's rights system. Should this be so, the Talnne will be able to leave for Suva at noon to-day.