OVERTIME AT SEA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16831, 6 September 1922, Page 7

OVERTIME AT SEA.

CASE FOR SHIPOWNERS. SEAMEN’S DISPUTE CONTINUED. „(Pf.r Pres* Association.! WELLINGTON. September 6. In the Arbitration Court to-day. Mr T. O. Bishop addressed the Court on ; behalf of the Shipowners’ Federation. He said that the case was a simple one. I There is.” he said. “ a world-wide slump in trade, which has affected ship- ' ping. The causes of the slump were outside our control, but we must ad- | j list our affairs to the altered condi- j lions.” Certain gains in wages and coil- ■ ditions were obtained by the seamen by negotiation in 1920, ad it was believed that conditions then existing ' would continue for the period of the ! agreement. The problem for the Court 1 was to determine what adjustments j were necessary to enable the shipping ; industry of this country to he carried on at a cost which the country could ( afford to pay, at the same time haying regard to the necessity of paying a fanwage to those employed, and providing a fair return for the capital invested. The employer* did not attack the prin- | cipal of the eight hour day. hut overtime aboard ship was different from overtime ashore. A great deal of over- 1 time money had to he paid on ships without extra hours being worked, therefore, the rate should not he a high , one. He submitted that in the coastal shipping, sailing after 5 p.in. should bo l»ennitted. j