THE SEAMEN’S WRANGLE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 9 April 1927, Page 13

THE SEAMEN’S WRANGLE.

Bjr T«i*«rapli—Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 3. W. W. Wheeler, assistant general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, gave evidence to-day in .the ease in which James Brennan, a seaman, is claiming £59 damages, from 1. P. Welsh, (Wellington), Felix Newfield (Lyttelton), and the Wellington Federated Seamen’s Industrial Union of Workers, on the ground that he had been wrongfully prevented from obtaining employment by threats against his prospective employers. Witness said that on March 8, Mr W. ,T.. Young told' him that Brennan had been engaged for the Kaimai, and that he had lea's’on to believe that •■.pome, objection might be taken. Next morning Newfiekl called, and said he believed the crew would refuse to sail, if Brennan were engaged, and he thought it hotter that the Company should lie told about the matter, rather than haves the ship held up. Newfiekl said Brennan-was not a member of the union, and not entitled to preference. After further discussion, witness advised Mr Smith, of the Industrial Department of the Company, to make another engagement. The interview with Newfield was quite harmonious. Nothing in the nature of a threat was made:, W. T. 'Young, Union secretary, gave evidence concerning the dispute between rival unions. An adjournment to the 28th April was granted.