SHIP DESERTERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 9

SHIP DESERTERS

MANY IDLE SEAMEN PRECARIOUS LIVELIHOOD GROWING PROBLEM AT AUCKLAND (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, June 7. Never in recent years has the Auckland waterfront attracted such an influx of ship deserters as at present The considerable number of seamen who have left visiting ships at Auckland is claimed to have been augmented by arrivals from Wellington and Australia, and it is estimated that at least 25 men in this category are living precariously either by waterfront odd-jobbing or by obtaining meals and an occasional bed from charitable organisations.

To authorities who are in close touch with the position, the problem is a source of concern. Some of the men have served sentences for desertion and others have never been prosecuted by the shipping companies, while in recent weeks, with the onset of winter conditions, there has also been a gravitation of deserters from Wellington to the north. Attraction of Auckland It is stated to be a common impression that casual work is more abundant in Auckland than in the southern centres, and also that charitable aid is on a freer basis. Something of an air of mystery surrounds the arrival of several men who are alleged to have reached Auckland from Sydney. It is freely suggested on the waterfront that they left their ships at one or other of the Australian ports, but the manner in which they travelled to New Zealand, probably evading the immigration authorities, is shrouded in secrecy. Those who have had occasion to come into contact with some of the men of this class are not Impressed by their calibre. Stated to be unwilling to commit themselves to permanent employment, they are unable to draw sustenance benefits until they had been resident in the country for six months, and. as a result, they support themselves by casual waterfront work supplemented by the charity of city organisations. Forecastle tales of conditions in New Zealand are generally regarded as the principal inducement for seamen to leave their ships. Some have been disillusioned in their hope for an easy existence and are seeking jobs on home-going ships. If they report as having missed their vessel within three months of its departure, they may be returned as destitute British_ seamen, but few take advantage of this opportunity as it means that they arrive in Britain virtually destitute.

Where Do They Go? The number of men in the city without any fixed abode is surprising to the authorities. Seamen are usually included among the applicants for beds at the Salvation Army Workmen’s Home, where between 20 and 30 men are turned away each night on account of accommodation being taxed. It is stated that this position is without precedent for at least two years and a-half. and a similar story is related by other relief organisations. What happens to those unable to obtain a bed is not accurately known. Some profess their intention of approaching the police, others endeavour to pass the hours in all-night cafes, while a few are stated to either pace the streets or find a hard and impromptu bed at a transport shed or a railway station.