FREE LABOUR CALLED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 8

FREE LABOUR CALLED

MAUNGANUI MANNED JWQ VOLUNTEERS ASSAULTED SEAMEN’S STRIKE SPREADS SBE POSITION IN WELLINGTON [ p«r Press A&socisuon. I WELLINGTON May 5. A most important development today in the maritime dispute was the decision of the shipowners to engage volunteer labour for vessels. The Union Company called for labour to man the Maunganui and were successful, it is understood, in obtaining a full erew. The Maunganui leaves at 10 a.m. to-morrow. Included in the passengers will be those who booked by the Monowai. The northern passengers arrive in Wellington by the Limited express to-morrow. In response to the call for volunteer labour between 20 and 30 men early presented themselves for engagement. These included University students, men out of work and returned soldiers. Those applying signed on and were told to report for duty at 2 p.m. No sign of interference from the affected parties was apparent until the volunteers commenced to arrive at the Clyde Quay wharf. In the afternoon a crowd of several hundred people congregated at the entrance to jhe wharf to which berth the Maunganui had been moved. The moot sedious aspect of the dispute occurred about midday when two volunteer seamen, after being signed on were making their way by foot toward the city. They were violently assaulted by about a dozen men who had left the large group surrounding the wharf entrance. Both men were vigorously manhandled, but the assailants soon desisted.

Every precaution was taken by the Union Company and the police to ensure the safety of the erew which is to take the Maunganui. Members of the crew arrived by taxi and each car was followed by another carrying con stables. &me of the jeering crowd had dispersed by nightfall. The Pieton ferry will be resumed tomorrow, the Tamahine leaving at 9 a.m. for Picton and returning to Wellington to-morrow night. Waterside workers handled the cargo of all vessels requiring labour. The <-argo ships Poolta, Wainui and Waimarino completed discharge'and moved into the stream. The only vessels to leave the port to-day were the Bangatira. the Gael, the Kohi and the Talisman. The Rangatira was an hour late in leaving due to the extra amount of cargo being handled. A meeting of the Alliance of Labour was held this morning, but no statement was available.