SHIPPING INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19879, 24 February 1928, Page 13

SHIPPING INDUSTRY.

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM.

SEAMEN AND MR. COATES.

COAL CONTRACT EXPLAINED.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Thursday. Statements regarding unemployment in the shipping industry were made by a deputation representing ships' officers, seamen and stewards, which met the Prime Minister and the Hon. J. G. Anderson, Minister "of Marine, to-day. It was suggested that if New Zealand sailors were employed in the' transport of phosphate from Nauru, three steamers, with 144 men, could be employed. It was claimed that over 200 cooks and stewards and from 700 to 800 seamen in New Zealand were unemployed. Complaint was made that in view of the Government's appeal to the farmers to employ labour, it was unfair that 75,000 tons of Government coal should be imported in Australian steamers. This could have employed four vessels for eight months. The Prime Minister, Mr. Coates, said the Government was very concerned with the welfare of seamen. Its, policy was to use New Zealand coal wherever possible. It was incorrect to say that 150,000 tons was being brought from Australia. The actual-contract was for 37,000 tons. He was screwing the railways down to the minimum on which they could work. If tenders were called they were rot called for fun. The deputation would be very critical if it. was found that the Government had let a contract on the basis of the highest price. The Government had already indicated to the coal contractors that if New Zealand ships could be used it was desirable and they were prepared to withdraw their ships if the New Zealand shipowners would accept a reasonable rate of freight. The Nauru agreement enabled New Zealand to get 16 per cent, of tfie output, and the whole control was in the commission's hands. New Zealand had no legislative authority, but the Government had asked the commission to give New Zealand ships the opportunity of getting into that trade. It could: not go further.' These contracts were annual. He hoped it would be possible to open up new avenues which would require more tonnage.