SEAMEN QUITTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10924, 13 November 1913, Page 6

SEAMEN QUITTING.

TROUBLE AT TIMARU. ' HOLMDALE HELD UP. (By Telegraph—Special to "Star.") TIMARU, November 13. The coastal steamers working Timaru are experiencing trouble to-day. The Storm is loading slow, but iias no crew, and cannot get away. The Ivairaki's seamen and firemen gave notice at eleven o'clock last night, and were paid off to-day. Discharge is going on. The vessel expects to load to-day. It is stated that a crew engaged at Lyttelton should reach here this afternoon, enabling the Kniraki to sail for Sokitika soon after midnight. The Holmdale's men gave notice at two o'clock yesterday afternoon. The skipper hastened loading, and completed just after noon *o-day. The eeamen then informed him that they would not leave with the vessel. Two firemen went ashore, but the seamen seemed doubtful. At 2.40 the men visited .the Collector of Customs, who stated that, as their notice had not expired, the men must work the ship. A quarter of an Tiour later, the sea-

men wore back on board and the engines started. Just as the aft lines were cleared, Llio seamen made a move towards tho side, one calling out, " We are two firemen short, ,sir!" Then they climbed on the wharf. Captain Robertson promptly ordered all clear. As the vessel moved, the seamen jumped on again The Holmdale proceeded outside tho moles, anchoring in the roadstead ,to await the effort's of the agents ashoro to secure firemen.

AT PORT. STRIKERS SIT TIGHT. TALK OF FREE LABOUR. The waterside workers of Lyttelton, with several other similar organisations, arc apparently contented to fight their ciiufio by passive resistance, for this morning the port gave every appearance of a holiday. Inside and outside tho Coronation' Hall a large number of men congregated, and, as was only to be expected, the chief topic of conversation was the strike and other subjects appertaining to it.