WITHOUT THE CREW

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 247, 18 October 1937, Page 8

WITHOUT THE CREW

SHIP TAKEN TO SEA

DISPUTE IN OPEN PORT MASTER EXPLAINS ACTION 1 Per Press Association. J AUCKLAND, Oct. 17. To avoid peril to his ship when the crew went ashore at Tokomaru Bay on Friday evening owing to a dispute, Captain A. F. Watehlin, master and owner ot the Watehlin Line motorship Port Tauranga, put to sea with the vessel manned only by her officers. Although the action, which has lew precedents in New Zealand’s shipping history, was admittedly in contravention of the sea regulations, it is claimed that it was forced upon the captain by stress of threatening weather. The Port Tauranga arrived at Auckland from Tokomaru Bay on Saturday afternoon and the crew has left for Auckland by road.

On arrival of the Port Tauranga at Auckland, Captain Watehlin stated that shortly before her time of departure from Tokomaru Bay for Auckland, the crew's delegate informed the chief officer that the crew had ceased working owing to a dispute over a claim for one hour’s overtime at Auckland which had not been allowed. Tne men went to tea and at 6.15 p.m. were ordered by the chief officer to turn to and prepare the ship for sea. He said they refused to obey the order.

Captain Watehlin informed the delegate that the 1 ime and place were not opportune to discuss the overtime dispute. He pointed out that the Port Tauranga was in an open and dangerous port, the wind was from the sea and was rising and rough weather was threatening. For the safety of the ship it was necessary to proceed to sea before dark, it being dangerous to remain any longer alongside the jetty. A reasonable time for the men to make a decision was given, stated Captain Watehlin, and they were ordered to “turn to” by the chief officer. Instead of obeying the order the men took their clothes ashore and left the Port Tauranga.

“As the weather was threatening from the south-east and blowing right on to the jetty with an increasing swell, it was not safe for the vessel to remain alongside over night," said the master, who added that he had no option but to take the ship to sea with the assistance of the officers and without the crew. Owing to the increasing wind and sea he did not consider it safe to anchor off Tokomaru Bay and the Port Tauranga was headed for Auckland. The Port Tauranga, which is the latest addition to the Watehlin Line's fleet is discharging Australian cargo on the coast. She left Auckland for Tokomaru Bay on Tuesday morning to discharge 750 tons of Australian hardwood for use in the construction of the new wharf.