NIAGARA HELD UP

Southland Times, Issue 23840, 10 June 1939, Page 7

NIAGARA HELD UP

Delayed Sailing For Auckland

ENGINEERS RAISE OBJECTIONS Men Dissatisfied With Quarters (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 9, 6.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 9. Trouble among the engineers aboard the Niagara delayed the vessel’s sailing but she sailed at 1 p.m. today for Auckland. The trouble’ arose because several junior engineers were dissatisfied with their quarters. Members of’ the crew said the quarters for the engineers left i much to be desired. One man said: “Some of the cabins are like boxes and become unbearable for two men to live in when we reach the tropics.” The men alleged that they were promised that arrangements would be made for them to obtain single-berth cabins during the Niagara’s recent lay-up, and when they found this had not been done they decided to strike. Although it was stated that 15 engineers were involved in the dispute, it was noticed that only seven men left the ship. A meeting of the Institute of Marine Engineers last night discussed the trouble with two officials of the Union Company and adjourned until this morning. A compromise agreement was reached the company’s Sydney manager, Mr A. J. Soutar, announcing that steps would be taken to provide additional accommodation for the engineers. The fact that practically all the passenger accommodation was taken up presented a serious difficulty in finding alternative berths for the engineers. However, a rearrangement of some berths would be made during the voyage in order to overcome the grievance. One junior engineer refused to sign on, his place being filled in Auckland. Another engineer told a reporter; ‘ We are supposed to work, eat and sleep practically on top of the engines. All our quarters are aft on the starboard side.” The 450 passengers took the hold-up philosophically. Nevertheless, they were glad when they were informed that the dispute was settled.