STEAMER DELAYED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 12

STEAMER DELAYED

CREW DISOBEY ORDERS COMPLAINT ABOUT COOKING TWENTY-SIX MEN ARRESTED [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] INVERCARGILL, Tuesday Because they objected to the cooking, tho crew of tho Union Steam Ship Company's intercolonial freighter Waikouaiti, which has completed loading at Bluff for Sydney, twice refused to take the ship to sea, As a result, 26 of thorn were arrested to-day and brought before tho Polico Court at Bluff. Tho Waikouaiti had finished loading on Monday, her cargo including perishable produce, and she was timed to sail at 11.30 that night for Sydney, but the crew refused to take out the vessel because they were dissatisfied with the cooking. It was then arranged that tho Waikouaiti should clear port before midday to-day, but the seamen again stated their objections and refused duty. Informations were sworn, and 26 seamen were arrested at 1 p.m. The men were charged in the Police Court before justices of the peace with disobeying the lawful commands of the master. Captain Grey stated that he had been in command of the Waikouaiti for six months, and only once previously had he had a complaint regarding the cooking. It was decided to adjourn the sitting till 3 p.m. in the hope of a settloment being reached. It was stated that the men had been in communication with Dunedin, and an official of the Seamen's Union was expected to reach Bluff tomorrow. As soon as tho sitting was resumed Mr. MacFarlane, the men's representative, asked for an adjournment till 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. "We can't guarantee a settlement," he said, "but will do our best." Captain Grey said he was willing, and this course was agreed to. "You men are under arrest, and there is not enough accommodation for you at Bluff," remarked Mr. E. A. Nichol, J.P., amid laughter. "We don't want to put you to any inconvenience, so will you give your bond to be here at 10 o'clock to-morrow?" "Yes," was thf chorused reply.