DELAY TO THE MAKURA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19859, 1 February 1928, Page 12

DELAY TO THE MAKURA.

CREW REFUSE TO SAIL. FEUD WITH CHIEF STEWARD. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A serious hold-up of the Union Steam Ship Company's Makura occurred at Wellington this afternoon when tho vessel was to sail for San Francisco, via Rarotonga and Papeete. The difficulty resulted from the seamen and firemen objecting to sail with the chief steward, Mr. Thomas, alleging that he had not been giving them sufficient food for some time past. As a complete deadlock seemed inevitable Mr. Thomas volunteered to avail himself of the opportunity of taking a holiday, which was accruing to him and signed off the ship's articles. _ As he was desirous of returning to his home which is in San Francisco, he proposed proceeding as a passenger by the Makura. Tho seamen and firemen, however, objected to his going even as a passenger, and at length Mr. Thomas, to avoid the further holding up of the vessel, decided to remain at Wellington for the time being. As some members of tho crew had wandered ashore late to-night some further delay was experienced in rounding them up and the departure of the Makura is to be delayed until an early hour to-morrow morning.