THE SEAMEN’S DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 780, 11 February 1887, Page 29

THE SEAMEN’S DISPUTE AT AUCKLAND.

(united press association.) Auckland, February 3. Early this morning Mr Ellison, secretary to the Auckland branch of the Seamen’s Union, received from Mr Dodson, secretary to the head office, Port Chalmers, the instructions asked for by wire yesterday. Mr Dodson wired that if the Northern Steamship Company keep men on board whilst the steamers are iu port they must give them some equivalent, either in money or reduced hours of labor. With reference to the Douglas employing nonunion men, Mr DodsonV instructions are to the effect that the Auckland branch can better deal with the matter than they can, and leaves it entirely in their hands. Upon receipt of this information the Auckland branch of the Seamen’s Union appointed two of its members (Mr Ellison and another) to wait upon Captain McGregor and endeavor to arrive at some amicable arrangement of the matter in dispute. It was also agreed to take no further action pending the result of this interview. The Douglas left for East Coast ports last evening with her ordinary orew of non-unionists,. no opposition being offered by the Union. A deputation appointed by the Seamen’s Union waited upon Captain McGregor this afternoon and asked for his consideration of the matter already referred to. Captain MoGregor declined to make any concession, on the ground that the demand* made were unreasonable ; and he pointed out that, according to the Merchant Shipping and Seamen’s Act, any man who left his ship without permission at any time was regarded as a deserter. It was necessary that the Company’s steamers should always have some of their crew on board, not to keep a. watch on deck, but simply to be handy. in case a necessity of their immediate services should arise. Captain McGregor was also of opinion that the matters under dispute had been misrepresented to headquarters by the local branch of the Union. The Conference ended without any arrangement having been arrived at. Auckland, February 4. Joseph Winter was charged at the Police Court with assaulting Captain Johnson on the s.s. Gleuelg. Accused had been discharged for refusing to obey orders, which led to a general “strike;” and finding his discharge was written in red ink, signifying he was not again to be employed by the Company, he returned and assaulted the

captain. The accused, who said he would have been expelled the Seamen’s Union had he obeyed orders, was fined £l, with £5 2s costs.