SMOKING CARGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27212, 15 October 1949, Page 6

SMOKING CARGO

WATERSIDERS WORK IN HEATED HOLDS

LINSEED FOR DUNEDIN PA WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. A smoking cargo of linseed was discharged in drenching rain from the 8000-ton ship City of Calcutta at Weilington to-day. Firemen stood by m case the linseed, overheated by spontaneous combustion, took fire. A small portion of the damaged linseed has now been taken out, but about 400 tons remain in the heated hold. Almost 100 watersiders will continue to work throughout to-morrow and will continue on Sunday if necessary. The watersiders are receiving 15s an hour. The question of payment was first discussed by the Port Committee, but was taken before the Waterfront Industry Commission, which fixed the rate of 15s. The gates of the Taranaki street wharf, where the ship is lying, were left open to-night in case fire engines were called to the ship. The linseed was destined for Dunedin to be crushed for linseed oil. It was loaded in Montreal as part of a shipment of 800 tons, and became wet on the voyage. Waves of heated air poured out of the ship’s hold to-day as the watersiders sweated below with the smoking and charred bags.