SEAMEN’S UNION PROTESTS OVER POLICY OF GOVERNMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18406, 7 March 1928, Page 11

SEAMEN’S UNION PROTESTS OVER POLICY OF GOVERNMENT.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, March 6. The monthly stop-work meeting of the Federated Seamen’s Union of New Zealand was held to-day. The following resoutiont was unanimously carried in connection with the Nauru Island trade and Newcastle coal trade:—“That we receive with dismay the report of our representative who waited on the Prime Minister on February 23 in reference to the Nauru phosphate trade and Australian coal trade. We consider the policy of the Government in importing phosphates and coal in foreign vessels while seamen of New Zealand are unemployed is against the best interests of the seafarers particularly and the country genefallv. Whilst we endorse the utilisation of New Zealand coal and products within New Zealand where practicable we strongly submit that where coal and other commodities are imported at the request or order of the Government this trade should be given to companies employing New Zealand seamen, paying the wages and observing the conditions of this country.”