SHIPPING HOLD-UP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19406, 16 February 1925, Page 7

SHIPPING HOLD-UP

CREW 01' THE; MOERAKI. DISPUTE ABOUT WAGES. MELBOURNE, February 14. Excitement was caused at the Union Steam Ship Company’s office when thirty four members of the orew of the Moexaai, who had been discharged in accordance with tho order of th© court, entered tli© outer office and demanded to see the manager. Previously the men attended the Mercantile Marine office, where they should have been paid off, but refused to accept any money because the pay sheet showed only the amount duo to them from February Ito February 11. They Maimed that a record of all the wages earned by them since they joined the vessel should be shown on the pay sheet. After marching to the Union Stearn Ship Company’s office, the spokesman interviewed a responsible official of the com* S, and demanded that the men bo notwithstanding that the men_ knewi they could nob be paid off, except in tha presence of a shipping master. Hie money was refused, and the company’s solicitor arrived, and argued with the men, then a body of policemen came on the scene and ordered the men out. They le*U quietly, but it is understood that they intend to renew their claim to-day. MEN ACCEPT PAYMENT. MELBOURNE, February 15. (Received Feb. 15, t 5.5 p.m.) The Moeraki’s crew were paid off. They informed the shipping master they accepted payment under protest. Soma announced their intention of remaining ia Australia and transferring their_ member* ship to the Australian Seamen’s Unlop* The married men with families will retail to New Zealand.

EFFECT OF NON-UNIONIST GREW. STATEMENT BY LABOUR OFFISH Ali* “SHIPOWNERS LOOKING FOE TROUBLE.” WELLINGTON, February 14. Tho possibility of trouble ■when thd Moeraki with her non-unionist crew on board arrives from Melbourne was fora-* shadowed by a Labour official t ‘The fact that the shipowners are bring-, ing the Moeraki to New Zealand indicates that they are looking for trouble,” ha said. ‘‘This vessel signed on a non* unionist crew at Melbourne and was declared ‘black’ by seamen of Australia. The shipping companies must know that neither the seamen nor the waterside workers of New Zealand will be inclined to accept labour on what they term; a 'scab ship.’ It seems therefore that the intention is to bring the waterside workers trouble to New Zealand. The men employed in the maritime industry will certainly show resentment at uhe action of the Union Steam Ship Company in bringing this vessel to New Zealand. Mostly likely they will refuse to accept work cither as waterside workers or a* eeamen on board of her when she arrives.* 4