THE HONGKONG DAILY "PRIÈS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15TH,÷1932.
THE CHINESE SEAMEN'S STRIKE.
PRELIMINARY REPORT OF SHIPOWNERS” COMMITTEE.
Following is a copy of the Report made | to B.B. the Governor by Mr. R. Buther and Chairann of the Committee which conducted the Strike negotiations on be half of the Shipowners:-
Hongkong, 14th March, 19, Yar ExcLRNCY-I have now the
honour to submit a Preliminary Report on the settlement arrived at with the Dale gatus of the Seamen's Union, in conned tion with the recent strike. A resume of the Government negotiations was
The Agreement an above was arrived at after some two months of negotiation. To those not' intimately connected with the. subject it will require explanatory ro
marks, I would therefore beg leave to comment as follows:-"
Cfaule 3-It will be noted that it has been. hgreed men will receive half pay fren such time as they left their vessels until their return, That they may be reinstated to
(a)-Their own Company's vessels. (8)-Other vesels as may be mutually
agreed upon
en
in the circumstances it was agreed, and intimidation which unfortunately existed.
THE STRIKE NEGOTIATIONS. SHIPOWNERS THANK DR. JAMIESON
MR. LUK KING FO The following letter has been addressed to Dr. J. W. Jamieson, CMG., Consul- General for Great Britain at Canton:-
Hoogkong, 13th March, 1029 Sin-At a full meeting of Shipowners called on the 5th instant to ratify the Agreement come to with the Seamen's Delegates I was requested to convey to you their sense of deep appreciation of your succes fu' efforts in a most intricate and difficult dispute. also
Farthen, is is agreed that those men available, will receive half pay; until such time as re-instatement can be cffected, but the time limit of such half pay shall not exceed months. In this connection it Claw 1.-This sets forth the scale of wages greed. For your information is the opinion of shipowners that thered to oiit your god af is in conveying would say that in order to give the oxset
was far from a unanimous 'desire on the sentatives of the Canton Chamber of to Mr. Lak King Fo and to the Repre effect of the strike as acting-shipping and that they only did so under naistane, and advice, in
part of employees to leave their vessels Commeran the sincere thanks of Hong- I requested: Messrs. Lowe, Bingham &
kong
Shipowners for their most valuable
the con- Matthews to draw ap a statement on the
Hr. Lak King Fo has met with the fallest negotiations.
recent The general attitude of tained in the Gazette of the 11th instant settlement "made, and I attach "sche I think rightly so that men forced out. Probation of those who have been in and the object of this communication is to hereto. The figures submitted wore arrit of their positions through no fault of haitation in saying that if you will con- with the situation and I have no set forth the settlement from the Shiped at by the Chartered Accountants from their own and in fear of bodily harm,vey to him our recognition of the real owners' point of view in conjunction with data obtained directly from the Steam not only to themselves but their depon will be conferring on us a great favour. the Government communique just referred ship Companies concerned," and in my dents, many situated in Chinese territory. I am, air, your obedient servant,
spirit of compromise and fairness you to. A fall and detailed report of the opinion represant na accurately as possible called in the circumstances for & con- Shipowners' negotiations will be subthe margin of compromise between Own-siderate decision on the part of ship-
R. SUTHERLAND, mitted to you as soon da possible, but Ier and Seaman's Representatives.
Chairman, Shipowners Committee. consider the subject matter contained in
THE RECENT STRIKE, this: Preliminary Statement will be of
His Excellency the Governor has write general interest.
ten to the General Offer Commanding to help rendered to the Community by the expre a his appreciation of the valuable Officers; Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the Garrison, during the recent
41
Certain points in the Shipowners biations apart from the question of wage wore touched upon in the official Gazette and is now remains to submit to you the igned proliminary Agreement referred to in the Government record of proceeding The document which is attached reads as
follows:---
in dispute between them;
owners.
strike.
"
A
It will be noted that while generons Admittedly, such consideration might concessions have been made in respect of b: construed as an undesirable precedens Chinese-owned steamers, the "Seamen's in the commercial future of the Colony, Delegates have met the position very and recognising this the shipowners took fully as regards other lince, The pre the opinion of the special strike committee liminar difficulty in negotiations was of the Chamber of Commerce before con. that the Union demanded a flat percentage cuding the point. As regards the Fund of increase to be effective over all lines, referred to for meeting the expenses (in of the personnel available for carrying He has written that "The coordination notwithstanding that some Shipping Com the shape of half pay) of Seamen whose on essential services was of the greatest panies, comparatively recently, had vol ships are not immediately available. Importance to this Government and the public, and the highly efficient manner in untarily given an increase of some 18/25 would say that my understanding is that which the work was conducted at short per cont to me the higher cost of living this will be met by Fund. arranged | notice wan mo : creditable to all can- It was on this point that it became appar. between Dr. Jamieson and certain...pro
corned." minens Chinese gentlemen of the Colony.
THE LATE CAPTAIN B. C..
PLANT:
PROJECTED MEMORIAL
It is hereby agreed betweep the under signed parties that the following are the terms of settlement on the matters i ent at the outset that difficulties were headed by Sir Robert Ho Tung, a men- almost sure to arise between the Uniontioned in the lovernment Gazette of Satur- 1.--The serie of wages paid at Hour and the owners. It will be found, there day last. So far as strike pay is con- kong and is force on 12th day of Janu-fore, that as regards Companies who had cerried in the case of unabsorbed seatnen, ary, 1922, shall be increased as follows not raised the scale of wages for a series I must explain that late in the evaping and shall apply as from the 1st January, of years, the Scamen's demande have been of the 4th instant when the hitch in sign met to a considerable extent and it was ing the Agreement occurred, Dr. Jamieson the general opinion of the Shipping Co- and myself were confronted with an un- panies I have had the honour to repré reasonable demand in the shape of a Bont that substantial concessions should guarantee of 8 month half pay if posi-navigation is well known, and to those be made by such lines. It is with pleations were not open for returning samen sure I have to record that the Chiness of their arrival. This demand was owners were among the first to acquiesce largo y responsible for the breakdown or
These connected with the Upper Yang- in the huggestion put forth that this suspension of negotiations, as Dr. Jamie sider that a maitable memorial to his tze between Chungking and Ichang con- immediate increase should be made. son stated it was not fair to ask the Ship.memory, should consist of:-
1999
Per Crat 1-Chinese River Steamers ... 30
-Other Chizes Steamers up to 1,000 tons dead- wegtt a-Hongkong. Canton and
Macão Steamboat Co., Ltd, 20 4.-Other British Companies"
River steamers taking the scale of the Hongkong. Cantor and Macao Steam- boat S.B. Co., Ltd, as a basis
-Coasting Steamers
6-Javá Lines
7-Pacifo Lines.
8.-European Lines
50
20
15
15
9.-Australian Lines.... 25
A date will be fixed for the gen-
It will be noted that the Shipping Camping Companies to accept it, and on be panies have been formed into groups, and half of the Shipping Companies I stated negotiations eventually progressed upon
1 saw no hope of such an unwarranted
basis of percentages for various lines. concession. The result has been that where low pay Delegates Dr. Jamie on announced that During the final negotiations with the was in evidence the owners were willing the shipowners had refused the demand to concede generous terms and although in coun e.ion with 52 months half pay the original Seamen's demand is this and he considered they were fully ju te- fed is doing. Cortain individuals,
me
یا
if it would sit a se tlement, & Fund to of the guarantors were meationed to the the case wou'd be raised. No names Degalea the Samen's
H.M. Con ul-General for Caxton in his pr.nouncement appealed to of the Canton Chamber of Commerce to Unica and Representatives subscribe to the movement so generou ly Chamber of Commerce are concerned they put forward, had as far an the Canton promi ed to submit the proposal to their man b.dy. The attached
eral return to work. From the time of particular respect is for an incresso of however, had come forward and said that leaving until such date, men will receive 40 per cent. it will be seen that they half pay according to the new scale") Mon may be re-instated on any of their eventually accepted 20 per cent. In "con own Company's vessels or such vesselstra distinction" it must be pointed out as may be mutually greed upon. that in the case of the higher paid ser portions are not available for men
to return to work is above, it is vicers, such as European and Pacific lince, agreed that half pay shall continue for the original demands called for between such period as the men are not employed, 30/40 per cent, increase and the settle. but not exceeding fire and a half (53) months from the date of the generai mont resulted in the men accepting 20 return to work. This half pay will be per cent, and 13 per cent. administered from a Fund under the schedule of percentage speaks for itself and I consider represents a correct and 3.-The Owners agree to assist in inimpartial resume of augurating a system of engaging crews arrived at. which will minimise as far as possible
control of a duly appointed Administra- LOT-
..
...connection with the pay of seamen.
(Signed) R. BermERLAND,
·Chaimaan, Shipowners'
Committee.
J. W. JAMIESON,
H.B.M..Consul-General
at Canton.
CHIE HON KE,
الرحيم
by a Shanghai Committed:-
The following circular has been issued To those who knew the late, Captain S. C.. Plant, Upper Yangtze River Inspec tor, whose work on the Upper Yangtze in connection with the development of steam
interested in the Upper Yangtze, this circular is addressed,
(1.) The erection of a plain granite, monument, about 50 feet high, en Pyramid Hill, on the opposite of the river to Ichang, roughly estimated to cost $15,000. (2)—The establishment of
** Mrs. Phant Baraury," a trae fand of $1,000 thn interest on which is fo bo devoted in the first place to educating and providing for the two, Chinese girls for whose wel- Fare Mrs. Plant had made herself responsible, and, when they had cessed to need it, to the education. of girls of a similar class. (3.)-Scrne other work of general public beart (e.g a drinking fountain for thirsty trackers, a public ferry at the Hsin-t'an or Mercantile Marine "Plant Scholarship) as may be decided by the Committee later and the sum of money sub- scribed may permit.
14
day last, 1 letrard Sir R-bert Ho Tungod in the late Captain Plate the pre- These particulars aro circulated "to From the Government Gaitle of Batar, afford to those who knew or were interest- is respons bie for the extab ishment of the unity of contributing towards the pre- Fund in que tion, and I shall get in touch posed morial. the Agreement with hm immediate.y to a certain his
For this purpose, the manager of the views and the of the Fund, also
scope
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Cor any irregularities, which may exies in Dr. Janiceon's attitude at the time, he
detais of it administration
This in &poration at Shanghai has very kindly entered the negotiations until the faal 'de the province of the Steam hip Own as The Plant Memorial Fund," to which mesare is a charitable Fund entirely out offered to open an account to be known Signed at Hongkong this fifth day of settlement of dispute was, that he would ers, but at a meeting held on Wedne day ontributed remittances may be sent March, one thousand," nine hundred and not be a party to anything unless it was last when the Agreement was ratified I direct, or to the Precilent, H.B.M. Cont twenty-one.
fair to both sides, and while the general to gezera ly aanit the Adm.aistrator, to Shanghai Committee Plaat Memorial appealed to Owners to do their utmot l at Ichung, or to T. J. Eldridge, Sec. commercial problem was becoming daily whoover he may be, in making & fair Fund, Custom House, Shanghai.. more difficult, I give it as my opinion, mit It was, however, genera ly under. distribution under the terme of our Agree shipowners, in making such"concessione as stood that the Fund mut be entirely dis
It will be remembered that Captain Plant died just over a year are at sea they have done, wore not unduly in 48 orated with the Shipowners and adjust after starting from Shangai on a
ministered by an independent official. Bluenced by anything other than the grave! C'Gure 3.-This deals with the system of in Hongkong shortly after the steamer voyage to England, Mra. Plant died commercial hold up and of the hardship engaging crews. It has long been recog reached port. Both husband and wife entailed on those entirely disinterested in Died that the present system of erguge were buried at Happy Valley, points of disagreement between the Union unles they help themselves it is useless la unsa isfactory to the met," bat and shipowners.
for owners, to extend the hand of anis ers, but of the men, and ap aking on aron. The system is hot that of the own
cerned I would say that wo we came, and wa sist la the inauguration of any
Trade has been of a dull and uninterest scheme whereby the wages paid going character during the week, with hard- their entirety to the proper partice
ly sufficient demand to support prices The unfortunate system of "squeeze" is the rate of exchange. In addition to the notwithstanding the constant decline in not only prevalent in the engagement of disturbing state of affairs in the interior seamer, but in neary all Chinese deal the market has been under the shadow of ing of
imi ar character, and if, as a something like a serione financial crisis clean chunne of remuneration will in the shares of what was supposed to be one of rit of the Inte azfortunate strike a realting from wild speculation in the fature ex st between the masters and the the soundest of the local native Ex men; it will at any rate have achieved a changes, ut this has for the time being. re ult of undoubted benefit to the combeen averted. It is certain that that very munity as a whole.
severe Fostes will have to be faced at some
(Chinese Chop.)
Lo TOUN 'MAN,
(Chinese Chop.)
Lox Kiro Fo,
Berrotary to Commissioner for Foreign Affairs,
Canton.
il
"
I give this opinion with all dae merve the general views of shipowners.,
SHANGHAI TRADE.
Mesars. Ilbert & Co.'s piece goods
but feel that my remais are in line with behaf of the Seam hip Companies com market report, dated March 3rd, says:
EFFECT OF SETTLEMENT SHEWN IN PERCENTAGES OF WAGES.
LINES.
Chinese River Steamers
...
Other Chinese Steamers up to 1,000 tons TW Hong Cibton & Macao Steamboat Co., Ltd.
Other British River Steamers taking the scale":
of the Bleamboat Co., as a basis,
(5) Casting
Facific
$ $ 300 300
(a)..
વા
Where
Where
European Laser
(0)
***
Wagen under 130 Wages oser 30 Wherb Wagon under (b) Where Wagen over
Where Wigen wider". Where Wages coer
(0) Australian Lizion
་་་
Original demand
Terms accepted
in wages granted
by owners) -
Seamen's
in wages)
88 888 (Increase percentago
999
Reduction in Seamen's original demand compared to terms accepted.
10
2.
20
4020
40*
20%-50%
-25%826%
The foregoing I trust will convey the time or other and it is to be hoped eeson ial detal a of settlement and a full that this episode, which has been long reduction report of negotiations will follow, should foreseen, will be the death blow to these you desire. It may be of interest to add, metations which have been so harmful. that at the fast meeting of shipowners to the legitimate trade of the Port during it was unanimously agreed to form the past year or so. Hongkong Shippooners Association as it
16-60% 16% 2502.5"},"
.10%=00*%% (Bigned) Lowe, Bredgam & MATTHEWS,
Chartered Accountants.
"
“ኔ
It is satisfactory to report that although
sa hoped by so doing concerted action and fresh business is so meagre, clearances are bet er understanding as between employer moderately good all round and that the and employee will result. Any asistanse Newchwang and Antung boats leaving you can give in the formation and inest week are expected to take away fair auguration of such movement willTM greatly appreciated I have the bonour, mbstantial quanties of goods.
to be, sir, your obedient servant, N
B. SUTHERLAND, Charman, Eh powners Committos. Biz Reginald Edward Stubbr, X.C.M.G.,
Government Houm, Hongkong
The intensification of the labour troubles in Hongkong is also over-hadow- ing the market to some extent, an it is felt that there are wider joues at stake thon that there is a certam amount of Hanger the mere question of seamen's wages, and that the trouble may find a repercussion here and in other parte of the Für East.
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