INFLUENCES AT WORK

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8609, 20 December 1913, Page 5

INFLUENCES AT WORK

MEN TIRED OP BEING IDLE. BACK TO SEA AGAIN. ‘ There were about 850 seamen out of work in Wellington, and in consequence there were many inquiries for positions, but this large number of men will not find employment for a hay or two, because there is not the shipping here at present. Further, those men who have been temporarily engaged on some of the steamers will have to be given notice if they nosh to discontinue their employment and bo signed off. Several of the men were allowed on the wharves after the decision of the meeting was made known, and succeeded in obtaining positions on vessels at once. It was previously stated that the seamen were waiting for the miners to return to work before they would agree to sign on vessels, but this idea was abandoned yesterday afternoon, and the men decided to act on their own initiative. The mine-owners, it is stated, want any new agreement entered into to be registered under the Arbitration Act, but the minors are opposed to this, and a conference is required. Until this is held and some definite decision ns to future working conditions aro come to, they do not intend to resume. The seamen, therefore, did not wish to wait any longer, as a large number of the members were tired of being out of work so long. The finances of their union, it is stated are in a low state, and this was also a factor in deciding the men to again go to sea. SHIPOWNERS PLEASED. The shipowners are pleased at the decision of the men, for the maintenance of the coastal services and shipping communication between Australia and New Zealand lias caused them some anxiety, but their vessels will soon be running according to timetable again. It is probable that the seamen and firemen wiio have been on strike will b© re-engaged to-day on the Maori, Waipori, 'SVairuna, Arahura, Ennerdale, and a number of the coastal boats.