STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12687, 8 July 1919, Page 6

STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS.

GOVERNAIENT PROPOSALS.

[Faoi< Our CoRRESPONwafr.] WELLINGTON, July 7. Another transport difficulty has given the Government concern and caused much cabling, in the special efforts to facilitate the return of the New Zealanders .stranded in Sydney. There, now is every prospect of their early return. Sir James Allen, stated to-night that he was informed the Manuka probably would leave Sydney to-morrow. Apparently there was a shortage of labour owing to the epidemic, which thus caused delay. “As to the Moeraki,” Sir James Allen continued, “ 1 considered it essential to get her away, and cabled to the. Government agent in Sydney to see the president of the Seamen’s Union to deliver the following message from myself:— ‘ New Zealand does not desire to interfere in any way with the labour troubles existing -,' : in Sydney, hut I appeal to you on behalf of the stranded New. Zealanders, many of whom are suffering, great hardship, to do what is in your power to remove the obstacle which prevents the steamer Moeraki saijing for New Zealand.’ The Seamen’s Union vice-president, owing to the absence of the president in Melbourne, gave the agent the following answer Blame the Union Company for not accepting pur original offer to man the Moeraki under' certain conditions asked for without prejudice to future ■ agreement, and advise your Government should have urged the Union Company to agree to our conditions seeing that their embargo was responsible for people being, stranded. Consider the Union Company’s effort not sincere to repatriate people.’ ’’ Sir James Allen said he communicated with the Union Company, whose Wellington manager had no idea .what were the terms referred to. On July 3 Sir James Allen sent the following cable to the Sydney agent of the New Zealand .Government:—“l do not consider this an answer to my appeal, and will be glad' if the union will state whether they will respond to my appeal or whether they refuse. I am sure they misjudged the attitude of. the Union Company, as I am certain the company is sincere in the desire to repatriate stranded New Zealanders.”

Sir Janies Allen adds that he has received no reply to this cable. The Union and Huddart-Parker companies undertake when boats resume to give preference to stranded New Zealanders. If the Manuka cannot accommodate all and the Moeraki fails to sail the Government will endeavour to make other arrangements to promptly repatriate all stranded New Zealanders.