MAUI POMARE’S CREW.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 14

MAUI POMARE’S CREW.

LABOUR’S GRIEVANCE. , WELLINGTON, September 20. “ I wish I could be sure that everybody in this room would be willing to battle for the. British Empire,” said the Prime Minister, replying to a request made by a deputation representing the Labour movement that New Zealand should have representation at the International Labour Conference at Geneva. “ I would be very glad if that was the ground of your request—the good of the British Empire.” Mr Roberts, secretary of the Alliance of Labour: Well, I can tell you I shall battle for the workers of the British Empire against the sweated labour of India and China. I won’t battle for British jingoism, however. I shall battle for British industrialism and the British worker against any other worker in the world. Mr Coates: Charity begins at home. Mr E. Kennedy You did not worry much about that when you appointed the crew of the Maui Pomare. Mr Coates: Don’t talk to me like that, Mr Kennedy. The members of the crew of the Maui Pomare are as much British as you are, and probably more so. Mr Kennedy: But you should not sweat them. Mr Coates: Did I sweat them ? Mr Walsh, of the Seamen’s Union, has been negotiating over the matter, and I understand it’s settled. Mr Kennedy: It’s not settled so far as the people I represent are concerned. Mr Roberts: There’s to be another conference. Mr Coates: I didn’t know that. I left it to them to settle. I wasn’t responsible for it, although I suppose I shall have to take the responsibility. I think you are out of court bringing the matter up now, Mr Kennedy.

Here other members of the deputation intervened and carried the discussion into other channels.