DUTY REFUSED

Southland Times, Issue 22013, 12 May 1933, Page 7

DUTY REFUSED

SEAMEN SENT TO GAOL. THE MAHIA DISPUTE. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, May 11. Members of the Mahia’s crew this morning refused to accept the owners’ terms when the Court case concluded. The owners offered to pay off or transfer the boatswain with whom the crew refused to sail. The men stated they were willing to return to the ship on condition that the master guaranteed they would not be given black discharges when they reached London. This guarantee was refused by the company. Counsel for the company said that after yesterday’s Court proceedings the boatswain told the captain that in view of what had happened he did not wish to sail and was willing to be transferred or paid off. The Magistrate said the men evidently considered the boatswain might have contributed to Winter’s suicide. This matter was now under inquiry by the police. Winter had previously attempted suicide, but the attempt was not connected with this boatswain. The charges of disobedience had been proved, but he had given the men an opportunity to return to the ship. The Court adjourned for consultation, after which the crew’s counsel raised the question of clean discharges. The company’s counsel said the guarantees were impossible to give. After some discussion all the crew refused to return to the ship. Seven men found guilty of wilful disobedience were sentenced to seven days, the others to forfeit two days’ pay for being absent without leave. VESSEL SAILS BOATSWAIN NOT TAKEN. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, May 11. After a conference between the captain and crew of the Mahia it was announced that the men were prepared to return to the ship. The Magistrate thereupon agreed to rehear the case and withdraw the penalties imposed. The Mahia sailed later without the boatswain.