THE COASTAL SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 37

THE COASTAL SERVICE.

WELLINGTON, September 10. A deputation from the Merchant Service Guild waited upon the Minister of Marine this afternoon with reference to the position of ofneer-s in the coastal service. Captain Maclndoe, as spokesman, said that the discontent mainly arose from the fact that the Union Company refused an application for a war bonus, stating that it was not justified in small boats trading out of Wellington. He thought the position of salaries was not fair as against those paid to seamen. The deposition referred also to the position of officers employed on vessels not commandeered by the Government, yet trading in the dangler zone. It was suggested that the shipping company employing ihem should itake out insurance policies for the men not covered by the shipping law. In reply, the Minister expressed surprise at the fact that the salaries of officers were so low. If seamen's wages continued as at present the salaries should be raised- He advised the guild to move in the labour courts, and no doubt the Union Company would give the guild a sympathetic hearing. Ho had already given consideration to the position of officers and men of the mercantile marine in connection with war risks, and had asked the Secretary of Marine for a report on the position, and as soon as full information reached him he would bring the matter before the Government with the objeot of making provision for the dependents of men who might lose their lives through tho war.