MOKOIA DELAYED

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10545, 23 March 1920, Page 5

MOKOIA DELAYED

TROUBLE AT SUVA FIREMEN INVOLVED IN UNTOWARD INCIDENT. VESSEL"'SAILS' EVENTUALLY. *3 y Tclcgraph-~Prcsp Association — SUVA, March 21. The jlokfiia is held up at.-Suva owing to members of the Seamen and Firemen's Union going ashore in the morning, when the vessel was about to sail for Auckland. The trouble originated oti Wednesday;, when, prior to tho departure "of the Mokoia for.Lautoka, it is alleged ‘tiiaf certain' firemen enfored a Japanese'iltore' and subsequently a dozen strings of Jjeads werp l missing.„ The. manager Toflowed and challenged tho firemen, who were wearing beads and who knocked the manager down, nuncting facial injuries. A ■number of firemen were arrested, but were released on bail and proceeded to .Lautoka. On the ship’s return to Suva to-day the police removed a mau_and charged him with theft and assault on tho'manager. A deputation of the crew met the master, who said he had done all in his power, hut the case was not one which under Fiji law could be mot by a tine. When the order was given to let go tho ship’s lines about 8.30 a.m., the men left. thp .ship,.- sliding .down., the. ropes. The.ofiipcrg tppk. tho Mokoia into the stream, where she. is now anchored. It is stated that tho crew consider they were not justified in leaving their companion to stand his trial alone. By Wireless s.s. Mokoia, March 22. After fifteen hours ashore # thc seamen and firemen rejoined, It is understood that-the - Fiji authorities agreed to grant »t-he-fireman bail in the sum of £25, subscribed by his companions. The Mokoia sailed for Auckland at 1 a.tn. It is believed that the Fiji authorities will accept the forfeited bail. Residents of Suva entertained the members who did not leave town. "On Thursdav-they visited - a sugar, plantation In therEefra district, Mid orrFrt-" day a rubber plantation on. a large, scale, the principal owners of which are Hawke’s Bay residents. Returned soldiers and sailors met Sir James Allen at a social gathering. There was much enthusiasm when Mr Howard Ellis, who was presiding, congraulated the men on their achievements. Sir James Allen replied,and Mo Dewnie -Srowartspbke briefly. 1 —• • ■ ■ ■ The Governor gave a garden party, and the Chamber of Commercea dinner.