DANGEROUS CARGOES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12748, 18 September 1919, Page 8

DANGEROUS CARGOES.

SEAMEN’S PROTEST. [Psk Prbss Association.] WELLINGTON, September 18 At the annual meeting of the National Council of the Federated Seamen’s Union, which is now being held, the disaster to the Taimii and the crew was considered. Members stood and in silence passed th© following resolution ; “That the National Council of toe' Federated Seamen’s Union, now ia oL-nual meeting, respectfully tenders the relatives and friends of the crew of the steamer Tainui the sincere sympathy and condolence of the organised seamen of New Zealand, in the great loss they have sustained in the disaster, and tlie council expresses great aiihoi rence in the laxity of the proper authorities in permitting ships with bei zinc cargo putting to sea without being properly equipped for the carriage of the cargo in question. Further, the council is of opinion that seamen should refuse to proceed to sea in any ship with benzine cargo,, unless tlie holds of the ship are so constructed as to prevent the benzine fumes from penetrating to any other part of the vessel bcyonl the holds.” Thc_ general secretary of the union, Mr W. T- Young, in a statement to the Press, said that if those in power for the moment .will not act to preserve life and limb, other means will have to be taken by other men, even at the risk of offending the regulations.