STRIKE LESS POPULAR

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11367, 14 November 1922, Page 6

STRIKE LESS POPULAR

STEWARDS U NSTSIP ATHETIC. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, November 13. When told that the ilaraioa had left Wellington with a volunteer crew, many of the seamen at Lyttelton were incredulous, but on being assured the Mararoa had actually sailed they were inclined to view the matter seriously. It is said the strike is getting less popular with the men as time goes on, and a large number are even now prepared to admit they' have acted unwisely. Others 6ay they may go back at the end of the week, and “have another go later.” . The VVahine’s stewards, who were paid off to-day, were very outspoken in their condemnation of the action of the seamen. “Most of us,” said one steward with, long service to his credit, “have been out of work for practically all the winter. The laying up of the Wahine for the winter threw dozens out of employment, and now, just as we get started again, the silly beggars start this game. It is almost a tragedy for some of us, I can tell you.” MORE CREWS GIVE NOTICE SEAMEN’S UNION MEETS. Per Press Association AUCKLAND, November 13. The Kaituna’s crew gave notice today, and will be paid off to-morrow. The orewß of four more auxiliary vessels have given notice to the Northern: Company. Tho Seamen’s Union held a largelyattended meeting this morning. It is stated it was decided to go back to work on Monday if vessels are available. STATEMENT DENIED. A subsequent telegram from Auek land states that the Seamen’s Union’s officials dSdSfteS to make any statements, "but ridiculed the report that it had been decided to resume work on Monday. , COOKS AND STEWARDS ‘ AN EXPLANATION. BY UNION SECRETARY. '• During a conversation last evening, with Mr E. Kennedy, secretary of the Cooks’ and Stewards’ Union, Mr Kennedy stated that the document published in yesterday’s “Times” was a confidential tone. It did not ! concern the strike ballot at all, but was to ascertain the opinion of the men on two particular issues. He said it jvas not true that the ballot papers were to be returned the next evening. The ballot does not close for five or six weeks yet. “The report nearly stampeded my men into a strike,' concluded Mr Kennedy. POSITION AT DUNEDIN FACTORIES MAY HAVE TO CLOSE. NORTHERN PQSSENOERS IN CON- ’ VENIENCBD. November 13. There were further developments in Dbnedin to-day with respect to/thq; shipping hold-up, and there is practically no news with a hearing on the general situation. The crew of the Union Company s steamer Woikouaiti were paid off toGday l , and the vesftel will go down to Port Chalmers to-morrow to utilise the stoppage for the completion of her running overhaul. The Kaitoke continued to discharge her cargo of? coal to-day, and it is possible that she will-aleo go down to Port Chalmers when this is competed. ~ The Corinna is now lying iaie at the cross wharf with her fires banked, and it has not yet been decided whether she is to go to Port Chalmers or hot. ...” .—..A curious position has- arisen in con- , tiqption wifh the hold-up of the Kamo. THis vessel was to have taken " tho election papers to the Chatham Islands. as well as mails and cargo, and ' unless another boat can he secured it - fs "Just possible that the residents of the Islands may be disfranchised. The unloading of the Holmdale Was affected by bad weather to-day, and this vessel is now expected to leave for northern ports on Wednesday night. ‘ Up to the present there is no indication that the waterside workers arc at all interested in the dispute, but in common with, other people they will shortly begin to feel the effect of the - hold-up. as their avenues of employment will be restricted, as only one or two Home liners and smaller coastal traders are«afc the moment engaged In loading and discharging. Operations are proceeding on the Otaki, Holmdale, Kamo and Breeze. The Government steamer Tutane- , kai. which was on her way with stores, - and cargo, for the southern and west coast lighthouses, has been diverted from her course, and left Bluff at 1.10 p.m. to-day for Lyttelton. It is believed she will carry mails. A good deal of inconvenience has already resulted to intending passengers for the North Island, owing to the fact that the local ' office of the Union Company haS 1 been unable to accept bookings.’ No fresh hookings -can be mad£ until it is known when the Mararoa is going to make another trip to Lyttelton and hack, and hence those who have already taken out their passages will have to make fresh application for berths. Among those whp are delayed are a number of ministers and elders, who had been apdelegates to the Presbyterian General Assembly at Auckland. V the total for the South Island probably being in the neighbourhood of 100. Thp managers of various manufacturing concerns at Dunedin are awaitirtg developments, but one or two who were spoken to to-day said that if the strike continued it would only bo a matter of a yery short time before their factories would have to he closed down, thus throwing a considerable number of men out of employment. Dunedin sends to the north a large quantity of general goods, such as beef, " oranges, flour, oatmeal, biscuits and confectionery, pickles and sauces, boots, bricks and tiles, etc., and if transport were restricted to small coastal vessels a large quantity these goods would be shut out and work would have to cease. On the ..other. hand there are one or two industries which will not he affected, and which will he able to go on manufacturing as their stocks are hound to find a market eventually. Apart from tho confectionery trade, the; jam “making industry will he very seriously —affected if supplies of sugar are cut •off from the north, and many! owners of and orchards will be .involved in heavy loss.

Since Saturday morning the steamers Wootton, Hawera., Maori, - Wainifi, Kapiti, and the auxiliary ..schooner Echo have paid off their crews at Wellington.