http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9a628f88cf0177b4ca722d53aea0d735.PDF 274a9e204d22cde5db2b3ece72be3fc7 PDF Text Text Story On Page 2 SEAFARERS -aM LOG je -.••m 41 OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE S E A F A R E R S I N TE R N AT I (^N A L UNION • ATLANTIC A^ND GULF DISTRICT • AFL !>• ' •. - • • M" M lii:'' \Hi* |i • It.'! 1^' , I ..i'l I *•• >5 .'• '• S-- story On Page 3 •if; i9l i .!vr. 1 NY Docks Here is documentary proof of a Bridges "team" in action on the New York water­ front. These, three men at right have been 1 positively identified as Bridges lieutenants• or operatives for the Communist Party at work together on the New York .water~ front. This exclusive, previously unpub- lished photo was taken when the group tried unsuccessfully to swing Negro leaders , from the AFL over to the ILA camp. The : Negro leader meeting here is doing so only - at the request of the AFL. For identity of Whe men see caption at right. The Bridges agents shown here are the vanguard of a new flood of Bridges' "re; searchers" slated to descend on the New f York waterfront as part of the "coopera• tion and infiltration" plan of the West Coast longshore head. Bridges in the past has given the ILA money and has met secretly with, ILA leaders; he is now step­ ping up his drive. For the full story of the Bridges move, his past cooperation with the ILA and the phony anti-communist stand by the ILA ; officials, sefe story on page two and full • repprt in centerspread. - , - SI Three man "team" representing Harry Bridges ancT Communist Party is shown in unsuc­ cessful attempt to swing Negro longshore leader into the camp of the racket-ridden Internationol Longshoremen's Association. Men are: Irving Velson, (2nd from right), veteran ' CP functionary, director of Young Communist League program. Bridges Int'l Rep. and recently on the ILA payroll; Jeff Kibre (right), Communist Partyliner, veteran head of various Communist-dominated labor groups. East Coast regional rep for Bridges' Union; Abraham Barshad, labelled CP member before Govt Committee, contact man for Velson and Kibre. �/I SEAFARERS p«e« Tw# LOG MTD Opens Convention; Merger, Docks On Agenda One of the most significant meetings of the AFL Maritime Trades Department since the organization was founded ten years ago will open in New York on Tuesday, November 29. Representatives of 100,000 sea-going and waterfront AFL workers will take up the question of AFL-CIO merger and discuss the projected organizing campaign by the International Brotherhood of Longshoremen in New York harbor. The MTD convention wilH take place in the week pre­ men in New York harbor, now un­ are confident of commanding a ma­ ceeding the merger conven- der the heel of the racket-con- jority in the next election. tlon of the AFL and CIO. Conse­ trolled ILA, are sure to get plenty In discussing the New York wa­ quently the program of maritime of attention. The IBL-AFL has al­ terfront situation, the convention ready announced its intention to will also deal with the lajest move file for another election in New by Harry Bridges to obtain a foot­ York harbor in 1956. Member hold on the New York waterfront unions of MTD have approved the through an alliance with the ILA. earmarking of sufficient funds for The MTD has spearheaded opposi­ this campaign and all other as-- tion to Bridges in the past and has sistance IBL may need in reaching been successful in keeping him Its objective. from establishing himself any­ Convention delegates will devote where on the East Coast much time toward discussing a The SIU A&G District will par­ timetable and plans of action for ticipate in the convention, as wiU the waterfront campaign. IBL Pres­ SIU affiliates and other seagoing ident Larry Long is expected to an­ and shoreside unions in the AFL. nounce the official opening date of the drive in the near future. Close Election In May of last year, IBL narrow­ ly missed taking control of the har­ bor by a few hundred votes. Since Harry Lundeberg then the ILA has done nothing to Will preside over convention of remedy conditions which led to its 100,000-member MTD. ouster from the AFL and pro-ILA unions under merger will be a ma­ sentiment In the port has dwindled jor subject of discussion. . accoidingly. IBL representatives Last summer MTD president Harry Lundeberg, who is also pres­ ident of the SIU of North America, Not since Joe Curron, Horry Bridges end the raised the question of MTD's sta­ tus under merger with AFL presi­ Communist Party's apparatus attempted to storm dent George Meany. The AFL New York harbor ten years ago has Bridges open­ head, who is slated to be number one man in the merged AFL-CIO, ly set foot on the New York docks. He's back again assured Lundeberg that MTD, as with a revived Communist apparatus behind him and the largest and most representative group of maritinje unions, will con­ the cooperation of ILA officials. The full story— tinue as the number one spokesman with all the facts—is in the centerfold of this issue. for maritime labor in the merged federation. That assurance to the MTD was also reported in the AFL News-Reporter of August 19, 1955. Organizing plans for longshore- tiw.ia, 19SS JEmergency Slsn-Offs Some Seafarers have raised questions about the procedure to be followed in signing off the articles because 6t illness or Injury. They also asked about the wages and transportation provisions In such cases. This problem is fully covered by Article II. Section 14 of the standard SIU agreement, entitled "Repatriation, Upkeep and Transportation." It provides for the following; • Repatriation from overseas at company expense for crewmembers compelled to leave a vessel because of illness or injury. Family allotments to continue during repatriation as long as the Seafarer has wages coming. ' • First class rail transportation to original port of engagement where Ulness or injury takes place within continental United States. • Repatriation upkeep at $8 a day until seaman gets transporta­ tion back home. • $6 daily for food during transportation back home, if food Is not provided as part of the ticket. • The seaman to receive a full statement of wages due him from the master before leaving the ship. Where" this is not pos­ sible, the master is to advise the company agent and home office of the man's wage account. • Prompt payment of wages due on deipand to company agent or home officei When leaving the ship because of illness or Injury, the seaman simply signs off for that reason, noting in the record the reason, •uqh as, "signing off because of injury." He remains on the payn roll of the vessel untU such time as he is fit for duty, or until the vessel returns, whichever comes first. Full details of the procedure involved in repatriation and trans­ portation are in the sfandard agreement which can be obtained from headquarters or any outport. Bridges Bids For Foothold In ILA A new "cooperation and infiltration" strategy by Harry Bridges on East Coast docks is developing in his bid for a foothold on the East Coast following a recent visit to New York. The head of the In--^ ternational Longshoremen's erations" on the East Coast. and Warehousemen's Union Bridges last move eastwardspent several days in the city dur^ while partners with Joe Curran— Ing which he showed himself prom­ was nearly ten years ago when a inently on two major piers, and bold frontal assault fell short of mark. Evidence is strong that then announced he was sending a the Bridges beUeves the time is oppor­ "research" team to "study pier op- tune to infiltrate the racket-ridden Steel Worker Hauls Train For King Ibn Saud Magnuson Seeks US Ore Carriers Senator Warren Magnuson (DWash.), during the past few days, has moved to see to it that iron, aluminum and other strategic ores are transported on American-flag vessels so as to preveiit-a break­ down of these shipments in case of any national emergency. The Senator has pushed the De­ partment of Commerce to learn whether amendment of existing law is necessary in order to grant construction and operating sub­ sidies in the case of specially de­ signed ore ships. SEAFARERS LOG Nov. 25, 1955 Vol. XVII^ No. 24 PAUL HALL, Secretary-Treasurer HEnBEBT BBAND, Editor; RAY DENISON, Managing Editor; BEHNAED SEAMAN, Art Editor; HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWIN SPIVACK Staff Writers; BIIL MOODY, Gulf Area Representative. ||:' If . h:7-• I ' M' p^"'.'' \&l' 'fcv , »•: ;•- Final Dispatch Page 10 Hospitalized Men Page l2 Labor Roundup Page 11 Letters . .Pages 12,14 Meet The Seafarers Page 11 Recent Arrivals Page 15 Seafarer In Action .......Page 11 Shipping Figures Page 4 SIU Hall Directory ......Page 15 Your Dollar's Worth ....Page 6 PublUhed biweeKly vf tho haadquarter* o* tha Seafarers International Union, At­ lantic A Gulf District, AFL, «7S Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 33, NY. Tel. HYacinth ^ 9-t600. Entered as second class matter at the Pest Office In Brooklyn. NY, under the Act of Aug. 24, 1»H. IM ; h ::.- • I .J t'.s *«'.-• Air-conditioned, self-propelled private railroad car consigned to King Ibn Saud of Saudi Ara­ bia comes aboard the SlU-manned.Steel Worker in Philadelphia, prior to the vessel's recent departure for the Persian Gulf. The RR car was secured on lengths of track welded right to the deck, and was scheduled for delivery in Damman. Seafarer Merwyn "Doc" Watson, elec­ trician, took the photo as the. scene held the attention of SIU erewmembers and longshoremen on the ship and at dockside. . International Longshpremen|s As­ sociation through provision- of mon­ ey, technicians and advice. He is openly optimistic about the ILA's willingness to cooperate which will give him an opportunity to seize authority within the shaky ILA structure. This optimism is based on a hospitable reception received previously by ILWU representa­ tives from ,ILA leaders, and the ILA's willingness to grab any money Bridges offers. The major weapons In Bridges' armory besides money include the services of experienced members of the Communist Party's waterfront section, both in the ILWU and out­ side of his organization. They in­ clude key operatives .in the nowdisbanded apparatus of the Na­ tional Union of Marine Cooks and Stewards as well as other unem­ ployed party-liners and some of his own underlings. Some of these men have been working in the harbor for months previous to Bridges' recent" visit. They include Irving Velson, has been particularly close to ILA officials under a number of aliases, Jeff Kibre, an ILWU registered lobbyist in Washington, and Abe Bershad, an alleged Communist party agent. These men.^, have ' worked with the ILA in the past and'" are reportedly cooperating with Sam Mandal, head of the Communist Party's waterfront sec­ tion in New York harbor. The Bridges advance guard will undoubtedly be reinforced by the "research experts" Bridges is now dispatching to the East Coast. Since the ILA is desperately short on funds and talent its leaders are welcoming this reinforcement in the hope tt\at it will enable them to maintain their grip on the^'port's longshoremen. �Not;^5, i§55 SEk FA HERS LOG -:• Pare Threo AFL Set To Merge, Holds Last Meeting The last convention of the American Federation of Labor prior to AFL-CIO merger will take place at New York's Hotel Commodore beginning December 1.^ On December 5, accord­ ing to present schedules, the> AFL will meet jointly with the CIO, putting labor merger SEAFARERS LOG into effect. Virtually the only business to be conducted at the AFL meeting is ratification of the merger agree­ ment. This is a foregone coricluaion. The joint AFL-CIO meeting will follow and the merged labor organization representing 15 mil­ lion members will come int<^ being. AFL President George Meany will be the first president of the merged federation under the terms of the merger agreement. The post of national organizing director for the merged federation will go to John Livingston of the CIO United Auto Workers. It had been agreed that a CIO man would receive this assignment. SIU Will Be Same While the two federations will be combined into one, known as MAW Wins Election On Blue Stack TAMPA—The SlU-affiliated Marine Allied Workers are prepared to negotiate a con­ tract with the Blue Stack Towing Company, following victory in a National Labor Relations Board Election last week. Blue Stack •workers voted 23 to 19 in favor of the aiAW. The Bliie'Stack win followed on the heel's of an MAW election vic­ tory among unlicensed crewmembers of Chester Ferries, Chester, Pa. Before that, MAW won repre­ sentation on excui-sion boats of the Wilson Line which operates both on the East Coast and in Gulf ports. The Blue Stack company oper-' ates six tugs in Gulf waters, most­ ly out of the ports of Tampa and Mobile. Crewmembers were for­ merly represented by District 50 of the United Mine Workers, which was hot on the NLRB ballot. To Be Honored The SEAFARERS LOG has been notified that it is one of the wihnersMf the 1955 awards in* the International Labor Press of America contest. The LOG has won a number of such awards in past years, covering editorial excellence and other features. Announcement of the nature of the award will be ihade at the ILPA meeting December 4. the night preceding the joint AFL-CIO convention.' AFp and CIO, individual unions in each federation will retain their autonomy. For instance, in the maritime field the SIU will con­ tinue as it is now, with its own membership and its own contracts. If there are to be any further consolidations within the ranks of the merged organization, it will be done by the memberships of the individual unions involved. What the merger does is to provide a single framework for existing unions to operate under. The first effects of the merger are more likely to be felt in the political field, where the AFL and CIO will now speak with one voice on political action, and in organiz­ ing, where the newly-established organizing department will make a determined effort to break into non-union strongholds such as tex­ tiles and the white collar field. Advocates of the merger are hopeful that the new organization will be able to attract the inde­ pendent railroad brotherhoods and other major independent unions. The five-millionth dollar paid out by the SIU Vacation Plan was contained in this check pre­ sented by New Orleans Port Agent Lindsey V/illiams to Seafarer W. C. "Red" Cobb (right). Check for $40.44 represented a pro-rated share of Cobb's annual vacation pay. Looking on are IT to r) Seafarers E. P. Jonosko, E. Glenn, W. Smith, J. Noonan, J. Buckley and E. J. Riviere. SIU Vacation Pay To Seafarers Tops $5,000,000 Mark Meeting Night Every 2 Weeks Regular membership meetfiigs in SIU headquarters and at all branches are held every second Wednesday night at 7 PM. The schedule for the next few meetings Is as follows: Nov. 30, Dec. 14, Dec. 28. The Inquiring Seafarer On the heels of the recent boost in vacation pay for Seafarers to $244 a year, the Seafarers Vacation Plan last week passed the $5 million milestone. Seafarer W. C. "Red" Cobb of New Orleans received the check which pushed outlays over the $5 million figure three years and nine months after the Union Plan first started making payments. Virtually every penny of ers stayed in the employ of a sin­ farers out of this fund on the basis the $5 millioii has been gle company long enough to quali­ of $140 for a full year's work, pro­ "found money" for Sea­ fy for vacation money. rated for each days' employment. farers. Prior to the adoption of the SlU's precedent-setting plan, the seaman who collect­ ed vacation pay from a steam­ ship company was a rare bird indeed. Because of the nature of the industry, very few Seafar­ .Consequently, the SIU, in May, 1951, negotiated a new method of handling vacation money, which in­ volved per-diem payments by the operators into a central Union-administered fund. In February, 1952, the Seafarers Vacation Plan started making payments to Sea­ For the first time then, Seafarers could get vacation pay out of a central kitty no matter how many operators they worked for in the course of the year. Since that time the annu.tl va­ cation payment has been increased (Continued on page 15) Question: How have you fared with vacation pay during the 3^4 years since the SIU won the first industry-wide vacation plan? (Question asked of Seafarers at the vocation pay counter in New York). iisiiiiffis ! liiiiii: Vladko Roll, AB: This is the first Sung Ming Hsu, MM: I have got­ time I've collected vacation money ten vacation pay several times in because I was in the Army before. tiie SIU but in 25 years of sailing But I like the idea pf getting a only got it once befor^ when I lump sum since, a guy can reaiiy worked two years for the same take a vacation now if he wants to company. It's nice to get a pile of or he can just let the dough pile money this way wlien you need it. up and take it when he needs it, The hew increase. tlie Union won for an; emergency; ' ! > . ' makes it better than ever. Rocus Vellinga, engine utility: I'm for more and more vacation money because the sailor is en­ titled to a vacation the same as anyone else. I'd rather get it this way. in a nice lump sum than under a system that would only give me a few bucks a week only if I'm out of work. • Leonard Rhino, MM: I never col­ lected vacation pay until the SIU plan came along and believe me I like this system of getting a fat check whenever I want it. The- new inci'ease.we got now is better than any few buck handouts we'd get if we were unemployed. It wouldn't do any good then. Raymond Hassan, wiper: I have gotten vacation pay a couple of times since -the SIU plan started and like the way it works out for me. I know I always have the money coming and can collect it anytime. vThis is the best way for the seaman wiio works and earna tb|^ money. ^ �•> Paes Four SEAFARERS IOC WOT. ZS, 1955 , NOVEMBER 2 THROUGH NOVEMBER 15 I Registered Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Savannah Tampa Mobile New Orleans Lake Charles Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle Deck A J......, Total Deck B . 11 . 97 . 21 . 54 . 14 . 5 . ^ 9 . 9 . 42 . 9 . 25 . 8 . 15 . 26 5 28 10 20 10 2 1 4 12 8 6 2 6 19 Deck A . 345 Deck B 133 Eng. A Enc. B stew. A Stew. B Total A .4 29 8 25 4 2 2 8• 12 15 20 5 5 20 6 59 18 30 3 , 6 . 4 9 27 7 9 3 22 A 20 2 17 4 19 3 3 3 5 11 5 6 0 7 4 20 227 57 117 22 13 18 35 97 20 49 17 49 71 3 "71 ' 18 33 5 2 5 •17 28 4 15 6 12 25 Eng. En^X. 244 159 ' Stew. A 223 Stew. B 89 Total A 812 Total' B 11 74 22 64 17 7 6 17 35 28 32 7 18 43 Total B TotU Rex. 31 301 79 181 39 20 24 52 132 48 81 24 67 114 Total 381 Shipped Billy Ryan, two, looks sound as a dollar as he poses with mother in their Brooklyn home following his recovery from pneumonia. Billy, who was an SlU "maternity baby," re­ ceived SlU hospital-surgical benefit of $191 from Welfare Plan. His father. Seafarer William Ryan, is 2nd cook on the Iberville. Benefits Big Assist For B'Iclyn Seafarer When two-year-old Billy Ryan went to Long Island College hospital for treatment of bronchial pneumonia, it marked the third time in two years that his father, Seafarer William Ryan became eligible to collect SIU family benefits. For from the Union. And just seven Ryan it meant close to a total weeks ago, Billy's sister, Laura, Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Savannah Tampa Mobile New Orleans Lake Charles Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle Deck A 2 64 18 44 18 6 3 5 ? 39 12 14 7 13 15 I>eck Total 260 Deck B 0 11 4 22 4 1 3 1 17 7 13 5 5 18 Deck 111 Dick C 0 0 0 3. 0 0 2 0 2 1 .2 1 4 11 Deck C 26 Eng. A* 1 61 13 27 11 1 4 10 42 6 11 6 5 14 Eng. A 212 stew. Stew. stew. Total Total B A C B A 0 2 0 1 3 1 3 20 3 45 14 170 1 45 5 0 " 17 5 0 14 48 24 6 5 27 13 59 98 4 1 5 2 2 10 34 0 0 3* 0 0 1 10 2 2 0 . 6 2 7 13 2 0 3 2 0 18 5 10 0 66 3 0 147 30 -18 7 1 4 2 22 32 6 0 3 10 1 29 28 4 1 4 3 0 12 17 5 3 6 6 4 16 24 21 10 11 10 4 49 40 Eng. Eng. stew. Stew. Stew. Total, Tofal B C A C A B 123 25 200 78 22 672 .312 Eng. Eng. B C ITF Far East Office Opened fe•2-;"/' • 1 4 0 14 3 0 4 0 2 4 3 2 11 25 7 219 62 171 47 11 24 23 179 58 60 31 51 114 Total Total C Ship. 73i 1057 Reflecting the lay-ups and foreign-flag ship transfers of re­ cent weeks, shipping in general slumped markedly during the past two-week period. Class A men, of course, continued to enjoy excellent shipping op--*" Seafarers filing vacation 1057 jobs dispatched, com­ portunities. came into this world, making her ®f $600 from the SIU Plan as cov­ money claims should make pared to the registration of erage for two maternity benefits father eligible for another $200 in The upcoming year-end 1193. sure that they use their correct The lowest shipping re­ benefits and another bond. and his son's recent illness. Social Security number. Use holidays are expected to re­ corded prior to this was early of the wrong number means a Ryan, who sails at second cook, Little Billy, who celebrated his verse the downward trend in May, when less than 1,000 clerical headache for the Vaca­ second birthday on October 12, is currently aboai'd the Iberville, very soon, with the prospect jobs were handled. tion Plan office and slows up' 1^ went into the (Pan Atlantic) on the coastwise of considerable job turnover A breakdown of the senior­ the handling of payments. hospital for 12 run. in sight when Seafarers now ity groups showed .class A Also, a Seafarer who uses The Rjan payment was one of days. While he on ships pile off to spend the handling a healthy 63.5 per­ the incorrect Social Security 60 made by the Welfare i'lan for was there, doc­ holidays ashore with their cent of the total, and class B number is crediting his tax de­ tors also removed dependents' benefits in the month families and friends. ductions to some other US an abscess. The of October in the total amount of up to 29.5. Only class C worker. $9,525.60. Figures for the period were showed a decline, dropping to Seafarers Wel­ -• fare Plan paid 7 percent, the lowest point $191 in hospital it has reached in months. and surgical ben­ This demonstrates the pro­ efits toward a tection for the professional Ryan total hospital and in the seniority sys­ surgical bill of $326. Seafarer Francis Pastrano, chief cook on the Seatrain New York, had reason to be proud seaman tem, under class A or B Earlier Benefits last week. His boy Willie made a successful Madison Square Garden debut on Friday eve­ men can which exercise a wide Two years before on the occa­ ning, November 19, when he easily defeated heavyweight Joe Rowan in a ten rounder. choice in ships and runs when sion of Billy's birth his parents Willie, who is just 19 years'^ shipping is good, but can al­ collected the SIU's $200 maternity of age, had to get special per­ main event. Although normally a Pastrano's father has been an ways fall back and take what benefit plus a $25 US defense bond mission to go ten rounds under" light-heav5^ he weighed in at 181 SIU member since 1948, and sails comes when fewer opportuni­ At 19, though, he regularly in the steward depart­ regulations of New York State. He for that fight. showed to advantage before a na­ can be expected to add poundage ment. Willie has a loyal following ties are available, due to their tionwide television audience, dis­ in the next couple of years and at the New Orleans SIU hall and seniority preference. The following is the fore­ playing tremendous speed of hand pick up the weight and strength his successful career to date has and foot for a heavyweight. Going needed by a full-fledged heavy­ aroused avid interest among Sea­ cast port by port; farers sailing out of that port. ten rounds did not bother him weight. BOSTON: Slow; remains because he fin­ unpredictable. . . NEW ished fresh and YORK . . . Has highest regisTOKYO—The International strong. stration in years; jobs tight Transportworkers Federation Up until now, now . . . PHILADELPHIA: has opened an office in this Pastrano has cam­ Slowing up but still good . .. city to serve as the Asian center of paigned success­ BALTIMORE: Holding its its world-wide drive on runaway fully as a lightflag shipping. The office is under own; jobs' available for those heavy-weight at­ the direction of J. F. Soares, vete­ not too,choosy and willing to taining ranking at ran of the Indian seamen's move­ the top of the ship . . . NORFOLK: Outlook ment in Bombay. fair . . . SAVANNAH: Re­ Pastrano Sr. division along with such recog­ The opening of the Asia office mains very quiet with little in follows on the establishment of an nized standouts as Floyd Patterson sight . . . TAMPA: Future organizing office for runaway flag and Harold Johnson. He has com­ looks fair . . . MOBILE: seamen at 33 Whitehall Street, piled a professional record of 34 Slumped again; hopes for New York City and another in wins, four losses and four draws, change soon . . . NEW OR­ including his Friday night bout. Mexico City, in addition to exist­ LEANS: StiH quite good . . . His most recent victims in the ing ITT offices in Europe. LAKE CHARLES: Continues For the past several months light-heavyweight division were Chuck Speiser and the veteran doing well. ITF has been stepping up activities HOUSTON: Good; short on on runaway flag ships in an ef­ New York campaigner, Paddy Young. group 2 ratings in deck and fort to bring these ships up to the New Orleans Boy engine departments . . . WIL­ standards of legitimate maritime nations. MINGTON: Slow . . . SAN Willie started boxing in his home Willie Pastrano (right) crosses right hand to jaw of Joe The new ITF office is located at town. New Orleans, and did most FRANCISCO: Picked up Rowan in 9th round of Madison Square Garden main event. Kokutetsu Rodo Kaikan; 1,2- of his campaigning in the New again; outlook good ... SEAT­ Chome, Marunouchi; Chiyoda-Ku, Orleans area until he was tapped Pastrano, son of Seafarer Francis Pastrano, won easily in his TLE: Booming; should con­ Tokyo. for the Madison Square Garden first Garden showing. tinue very good. Get That SS Number Right Seafarer's Son Makes Ring Grade |v Total Total 0 Ship. �MOT. 25. USS SEAFARERS Fire Rakes Navy Radar Ship Off East Coast Three men were injured and two died when a Navy radar ship, the Searcher, caught fire 125 miles east of New York City. The Searcher—a converted liberty—is one of a number of Navy ships which is part of the radar defense line, designed to spot the approach of enemy planes. SEAFARERS LOG AWARD There are still two issues of the SEAFARERS LOG left for the year 1955 in which Seafarers can qualify for one of the annual LOG awards for distinguished mem­ bership • contributions to the- Union newspaper. The award program announced early this year will cover four categories — letters, photo­ graphs, poetry and drawings— submitted by any Seafarer to the newspaper and appearing in the calendar year 1955. The awards will consist of medallions, suitably inscribed. No particular entry form is needed. As long as the Sea­ farer's material appears in the LOG it automatically qualifies for the prices. Standards that will govern se­ lection of winners in the four categories are: for letters—one offering a constructive proposal or best expressing a Seafarer's feeling on any given issue; photography—for the best phoit and subject matter in the tograph, or photographs of Seatradition of the sea; drawings— farers at work or play or other quality and originality plus submaterial of strong interest to^ ject matter based on maritimeSeafarers; poetry—literary meror related experience. StU Halls Entertain Thanksgiving Diners The traditional Turkey Day feasting at SlU halls and aboard SlU-contracted ghips took place yesterday in accord with a Union practice of many years standing. SlU cafete­ rias in New York and Balti-"^ more, the snack bar in Mobile served a lavish meal which in­ cluded shrimp cocktail, cream of and SlU halls in all other turkey soup, roast turkey and ports were host to Seafarers and their families at full-course Thanksgiving Dinners. The headquarters cafeteria PHoros ^To/z/es. fber/zy mI'flnfeflte chestnut dressing or roast fresh ham, candied yams and other vegetables, mince and pumpkin pie, holiday pudding, fresh fruit, salad and beverages. Dinner was served in headquarters beginning at 11 AM and continuing until 4 PM closing time. SIU Tradition It has been standing procedure in the Union for many years to provide both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day dinners for Sea­ farers on the beach who are not eating at home with their families. A great number of Seafarers bring their wives and children with them to the Union halls on the holidays. Thanksgiving Day on SIU ships has always been an occasion for SIU steward departments to go all out in the preparation of lavish holiday meals, leaving Seafarers with fond memories of their float­ ing holiday feast, i •• v r\ > w a V^ro rif* LOG Congress To Probe Revival Of Transfers To 'Runaway' Flags WASHINGTON—The sudden revival of runaway flag traflsfers with approval of the Maritime Administration is coming under fire in Congress. Representative Herbert Bonner (Dem. NC), chairman of the^ House Merchant Marine Com- ^ura and Ampac California, and ... . . , , . ,. . the Liberty ship Mohican lost their mittee intends to investigate as a result of a switch to runthe action when Congress recon­ away flags in October. venes in January. New Gimmick After allowing the transfer of Since the original excuse for more than 100 US ships, most of transfers, inability to get cargoes, them Libertys; during 1954, the Maritime Administration had been can no longer hold water, the Gov­ relatively inactive on that score ernment has come up with a new for several months. Suddenly, the gimnjick. The latest transfers are lid is off again with the transfer described as paving the way for of several passenger ships, includ­ construction of new tankers or ing the Florida and Cuba of P&O other merchant-type vessels or lines, and most recently, a number modification of such vessels for use under the American flag. of T-2 tankers. Bonner has written Maritime Seafarers on the tankers VenAdministrator Clarence Morse as follows: "The reasons for the transfers advanced in your letter leave some doubt in my own mind that the course you propose is the best alternative available ... it is my intention to explore this mat­ ter in more detail." :i t • ''M Co's Anti'SIU Fraud Up To Canada Court MONTREAL—Shipowner agents who used fraudulent documents, intimidation and forgery in an attempt to decer­ tify the SIU Canadian District have been hailed into court. Charges have been filed by the SIU against three officers tures obtained by fraud and in­ of the Miron Freres organiza­ timidation. tion, operators of tugs and barges under Oka Sand Inc., a subsidiary. The SIU in Canada had been cer­ tified by the Canadian Depart­ ment of Labor as the legal bar­ gaining agent for the company's shipboard employees. The com­ pany struck back with attempts to decertify the union through signa- See Atomic Tanker By 1959,Maybe An American-flag atompowered tanker may be on the seas by 1959, if Maritime administrator Clarence G. Morse goes through with a bid put forth this week. The MA head has asked manufacturers to submit proposals on prices and design for an atompowered plant to be built within the next four years and installed on a tanker. A second, more ad­ vanced design study is being sought for a nuclear plant to be installed by June, 1961. The comparatively early target dates ^et by Morse indicate that he believes the industry is pre­ pared to furnish designs in the very near future. Congress has not authorized any funds for atomic-powered ships as yet, be­ cause of a wrangle over the type of vessel to be built. Under the circumstances, the Maritime Ad­ ministration is evidently prepar­ ing to come to Congress with a fully-developed design before any funds are appropriated. US Monopoly On Progress Morse told the Society of Naval Architects and Engineers that technical progress in US ship­ building wais imperative because of the fine quality of advanced work turned out by European yards. He warned that the US had no monopoly on modernity and progressiveness in shipbuild­ ing-ands design. In one instance, a company rep­ resentative boarded a tug and told all SIU crewmembers that they had to sign their names to come under the agreement being nego­ tiated between tile Union and the company. All crewmembers signed on a blank sheet of paper, after which the company representative returned to the .office and typed a statement over the names to make it appear that the crew had peti­ tioned to revoke the SIU's bai-galuing rights. The union struck back when the fraudulent document was sent to the Canadian Lahor Ministry by registered mail. After investigat­ ing the manner in which signa­ tures were obtained and getting affidavits accordingly, warrants were swom out against the employ­ er agents responsible for the ac­ tion. Steel Admiral Crew Cited WASHINGTON—The Sea­ farer-crew of the Steel Ad­ miral which rescued 186 pas­ sengers from a stricken Filipino ship has been officially com­ mended by the Coast Guard. As reported in the SEAFARERS LOG of July 8, the Filipino pas­ senger ship Neptuno ran aground on a reef in a storm. The Admii-al came on the scene the morning of June 24. Despite bad weather it took off all passengers, including 132 women and children plus their baggage, without mishap. Seafarers cited by name for the rescue operation were: John P. Ryan, chief electrician; Charles W. Hall and Lazaro B. Ellorin DMs; Jack Dalton, Carlton A. Roberts, Mallory J. Coffey and Joe C. Selby, ABs; Mariano Gonzalez, OS. Thailand Unionists Visit SIU Thailand visitors Thian Achalcul (left) and Dr. Malai Huvanandana listen as New Orleans patrolman C. J. Stephens explains features of SIU Welfare Plan. Men are officials of Thailand Public Welfare Department and toured SIU facilities on visit sponsored by US Labor Department. They were obviously impressed by SIU rotary shioDina and Welfare Plan. -.'ii - �.face Sis . SEAFARERS LOG Nov. 25, 1955, ... YOUR DOUAR'S WORTH Seafarers Guide To Better Buying By Sidney Margolius Values in Christmas Gifts > Headed for Europe aboard the Bienville, group of Seafarers out of Seattle hall get ready to enter bus which took them to Portland, Oregon. Included in photo are Seafarers D. Taylor, J. Boudoin, E. Smith, S. Hardy, N. Peterson, L. Meyers, Du Bois and Lawsin. Job Deluge needs Hall In Seattle Where You Can Find The In... Latin America Seafarers are urged to send the LOG the addresses of places throughout the world where SIU men congregate and copies of the LOG would be welcomed. American Hotel & Grill Georgetown, British Guiana Madrid Bar 13-A Water St. Georgetown, British Guiana United Nations Mariners Club Georgetown, British Guiana i" J" Seatrain Bar Ilacendados 1 Luyano, Havana, Cuba Sloppy Moe's Cafe Matanzas, Cuba Cosmopolita Bar 260 San Pedro St. Havana, Cuba 4« 4- t Futica Polanco Navy Bar Port Au Prince, Haiti U S Embassy Port Au Prince, Haiti 4" 4" 4" Charlie's Bar San Nicholas Aruba, N W I Intl. Seamen's Club San Nicholas, Aruba, NWI Rotterdam Bar San Nicholas, Aruba, NWI tlnited Merchant .Seamen's Club 20 Waterkant Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana Shamrock Manor Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana 4. 4i t Cantino Palacios Tampico, Mexico 4" 4" 4" Donald Duck Bar Colon, Panama Quarantine & Immigration Sta. Balboa, Canal Zone 4i 44" Anglo-American Bar Callao, Peru t 4> 4i Eagle Club 9 Broad St., Bridgetown, Barbados, B WI Mr. Sydney Godda'rd Bay Street, Bridgetown, ' Barbados, B WI s; .- y . ' > ' SEATTLE — Shipping of over 200 SIU men to deep-sea jobs and standby assignments has created a boom here that gives every indication of hanging on in coming weeks. The spurt in jobs stemmed from four payoffs and sign-ons plus the Royal Windsor House reactivation of. four T-2 tankers Fairchild St. laid up for long periods. NinetyBarbados, B W I two standby and shift ship jobs Big Apple Cafe were created by the breakouts, 20 East St. which will last two to three weeks Kingston, Jamaica, BWI and enable the men on these jobs to remain home during the com­ The Mission To Seaman ing Christmas-New Year holidays. Port of Spain "They certainly could not have Trinidad, BWI . come at a better time," Jeff Gil­ lette, SIU port agent, commented. Jamaica Seamen's Union The four ships involved are the 2 John's Lane McKittrick Hills (Western Tank­ Kingston, Jamaica, BWI ers), plus the Stony Point, Camp British Merchant Navy Club Namanu and Arickaree (US Pe­ Port of Spain troleum Carrlors). Trinidad, BWI With the Battle Hock already in operation, this leaves only two Hotel De Paris more ships operated by US Petro­ Port of Spain, Trinidad, BWI leum on the inactive list. These The Savoy Restaurant are the Fort Bridger and Lake 16 Park St. George, both laid up overseas. Port of Spain, Only One Idle Trinidad, BWI In turn, of the four ships man­ t 4i 4i aged by Western Tankers, only one Bar New Orleans more, the Montebello Hills, re­ Calle Colon 1519 mains idle. Both the Olympic Montevideo, Uiniguay Games, a supertanker, and the William A. Burden, T-2, are cur­ California Bar , rently in operation. Yaecare 1583 The busy activity for Seattle, Montevideo, Uruguay reflected In 114 offshore jobs dis­ Juan C. Surraco patched during the last two weeks, Rio Bar will likely continue, according to Montevideo, Uruguay all forecasts. A steady stream of in-transits plus incidental payoffs London Bar and sign-ons are expected to keep 274 Piedra Calle the job totals high for some time. Montevideo, Uruguay 4 4^ 4i Plaza Saloon ' Puerto Cabello Venezuela New Y'ork Bar Bay Street Barbados, BWI » Christmas gifts cost a little morq this year, especially children's playthings. Apparel and clothing accessories are still comparatively low-priced and will be valuable gifts this Christmas since many cloth­ ing prices will be higher in 1956. Some furniture pieces cost more than last year. But a number of household appliances are as low or even lower in price than last year, with the major exception of tele­ vision sets. But even though manufacturers' list prices are higher on many gift items, a smai-t shopper will find plenty of price-cutting at retail levels. It will pay to comparison-shop more widely for gifts this Christmas as price-fixing on many items has cracked under competitive pressures. More stores this-year are cutting prices on such goods as electric trains and the better-grade educational toys which have generally been firmly price-fixed by manufacturers. . Some 'Discounts' Are Phony . But don't confuse genuine discounts or price cuts with exaggerated "discounts" on fictitiously-preticketed holiday merchandise.: For Christ­ mas especially, some manufacturers pre-ticket jewelry, watches, per­ fumes, cutlery sets and other gift-type merchandise with exaggerated printed prices. This is done so retailers can offer what seem to be sensational discounts, but which are no bargain at all, because such merchandise often is low-grade and can be bought for less- at any reputable store. There is nothing to prevent a manufacturer or jobber from pre-ticketing his merchandise with any price he wants. But be­ cause this situation does exist, you have to be on your guard especially against merchandise cari-ying a printed price tag on which the re­ tailer claims to offer unusual reduction. As one merchandise expert points out, the packaging of fictitiously-preticketed goods is often hand­ some, but the goods themselves are shoddy. Tips On Shopping For Popular Gift Items Bikes and wagons are still generally as low in price as last year, and some reductions ai-e being offered on lightweight bikes. These are popular with children because of their light weight, artd with parents because of their comparatively reasonable prices, but arc not neces­ sarily good choices for younger children. They are more delicate than the heavy bike known as "trucks," and more easily damaged if treated roughly. Those with three speed mechanism must be used with care for they-are costly to repair. Dolls are a little costlier this year. Prices rise sharply as costumes become more elaborate, or if the manufacturer has a big advertising tie-up with television. One doll widely promoted on TV-costs $17 with a kit of clothes and accessories, while many lesser-known makes of dolls are available for about $6 for the same size doll with only one costume. You yourself can add more clothing and other accessories such as the inexpensive mitten, bootees, etc., included in the expensive combina­ tion package. Orloii swenters are much in demand this year, especially for children, and can be found at reasonable prices in some stores at least. Big asset of Orion sweaters of course is their easy washability with no Allocking required, wear resistance and mothproof nature. But they are not as resilient as wool sweaters if you want a snug fit which is also warmer. Some stores get as much as $10 for a man's Orion pullover, while others offer them for as little as $4. Sometimes the price differential results simply J^rom the fact that some stores charge more than others, but there may be quality variations too. The Orion yarn is the same, but the construction, knit and finishing varies. - Knit And Durability Vary The most expensive Orion sweaters are made with a fine interlock knit, which is a tight, long-wearing stitch, and looks and feels like cash­ mere but without cashmere's fragile nature. But if you're not necessai-ily interested in luxurious feel and appearance, _ especially Ifor children's wear, Orion sweatees are also available in the durable jersey ' stitch and heavier cable knit, at lower prices. This year you can buy an Orion jersey-knit s'veater for a boy for as little as $2. In buying Orion sweaters, look for reinforced seams for additional , strength and shape retention, and closely-knit ribbed cuffs for warmth. Nylon stretch socks have become one of the most widely-bought types for men and children, and now stretch nylons are becoming popular for women's hosiery. Nylon stretch hose is made of a specially-processed and knitted nylon that stretches to the size of your foot or leg to give a snugger fit than conventional nylons and other yarns. The advantage of stretch socks and stockings for gift giving is that you don't have to know the recipient's size. Prices of stretch hose have come down sharply from the original premium prices demanded by manufacturers. Men's and boy's nylon stretch socks are now available for as little as 59 cents a pair, compared to $1.50 a pair two years ago. Women's stretch nylons also have come down in price from last year when they sold, for as much as $3. This Christmas you can buy them for as little as $1 a pair. ' Relief Jobs Keep Mobile Afloat Un Seamens Serv., c/o Creole Petroleum Corp., Judibana Off Las Piedras, Edo Falcon, * Venezuela United Seamens Service Caripito, Venezuela MOBILE-—Relief jobs in the harbor helped tide Seafarers here over a slow two-week period of shipping, as offshore job activity dwindled to a new low. Over 100 men were dispatched to various.relief assignments in and around the harbor, which somewhat picked up-*^' the slack left when only 23 Beefs are at a minimum and the better, however, Tianner pointed deep-sea jobs had to be filled ships themselves are being kept out. Ships due to hit the port during the past two weeks. The slow activity was reflected in the United Seamens Service c/o Shell Carib'n Petroleum Co. fact that there were only six pay­ offs, two sign-ons .and five ships Punta Cardon, Las Piedras in transit during the period. Edo Falcon, Venezuela The one big bright note in all Iron Mines Co. the proceedings, Cal "Tanner, San Felix Edo Bolivar branch port agent, noted, is the ' Venezuela • - « • way the ships are coming in clean. 'r^mm -m m-m * » in A-1 shape on maintenance and repairs by their SIU crews. "All hands are to be commended on the way they bring their ships in," Tanner added. "The crews are doing their jobs in typical SIU style." ' Shipping prospects for the com-f ing two weeks do look, a little «* «4 »a * • « • »« tt either for payoff or in transit in­ clude the Monarch of the Seas, Claiborne, Hastings, Antinous, all for Waterman and Pan Atlantic; Corsair, Cavaliier, .Polaris, Pioneer, Pilgrim, Patriot, for Alcoa, and Steel King,. SteeJ., Chemist and Steel Flyer,-bf tile Isthmian Steam­ ship Coi«pany.-4; • •-fli'tk « a « V a * • V a'S w M-4 �HH i-y-^.-:3. •v-e'-it-rf.'ir.-IS'f-. .^. / Nmr. 25. 196S * ALCOA POLARIS (Alcoa), Octobor »—Chairman, 'R. Schwarzi Sacratarj, J. Hannan. A apeclal meeting waa held on feeding and working rolea. Motion made and carried to accept and coffcur with communicatlona from headquarters. ""Vote of thanks given radio operator. CANTIONY (Cities Service), Octo­ ber 22—Chairman, R. Cos; Secretary, H. Romero. Ship's fund—$9.12. No beefs, some disputed overtime. Mo­ tion made and carried to accept anH concur with communications from headquarters. All beefs to be brought up at meetings Instead of waiting lutil last minute of payoff. CHOCTAW (Waterman), October It —Chairman, D. Bynes; Seerstary, G. Fateusky. Repair list posted. Checked SEAFARERS Vote of thank* to steward depart­ ment. MICHAEL (Carras), October It — Chairman, J. Schilling; Secretary, O. Allen. Mattresses were ordered. To see Captain about three days without wash water. Ship's treasurer elected. Check hot water in messman's room. ROBIN GRAY (Seas Shipping), Octo.ber 9—Chairman, J. Karl; Secretary, J. Dolan. If ice box in crew pantry toes on the blink, it is''to be re­ placed with the one in the passbnger'* pantry. Motion made and carried to accept recent communications unani­ mously. The saloon messman.claims radio officer has been giving him a hard time. Captain told him to' lay Off. GOVERNMENT CAMP (Cities Serv­ ice), August 17—Chairman, K. Hellman; Secretary, P. Hammel. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Ship's delegate wilf see the chief engineer about repairing fans, screens and range. August 25—Chairman, K. Hellman) Secretary, D. Williams. Ship's dele­ gate reported that the wringer on tno washing machine is broken and the chief engineer doesn't want to fix same. He requested that headquar­ ters take this matter up with the com­ pany and get this biid straightened out. The latest headquarters report was read to the crew and accepted by all. » HEYWOOD BROUN (Victory Car­ riers), September 24—Chairman, G. Hlldreth; Secretary, W. Thompson. with- patrolman about draw In Ameri­ can money in Korea. Slopchest short­ age to be checked. Blackgang double bunks to be made Into single bunks. DEL SOL (Mississippi), October It —Chalrmu, J. Celsslar; Secretary, W. Cameron. One major beef concerning second engineer performing wipers and engine utility work, to be taken UP with patrolman. Special commit­ tee meeting held to have talk with two members who were having mis­ understanding. Motion made and car­ ried to read, post, and accept all communications unanimously. Motion made and carried to have Engine De­ partment patrolman make payoff. Coast Guard to be told to check all life rings since some of these ropes are worn out and dry rot and canvas are coming from these life rings. MADAKET (Waterman), October 1< •—Chairman, J. Rose) Secretary, W. Busch. Stores requisition was cut down and this was reported to San Francisco patrolman. Blackgang Is a happy family again with return of Chief,. 1st Asst., and 3d Engineers, from their vacations. Motion made -and carried to accept recent commu­ nications from headquarters. PORTMAR (Calmer), October 1«— Chairman, J. Oberia; Secretary, B. Agol. Vote of thanks from Skipper for crew's cooperation. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communications from headquarters. ROBIN eOODFELLOW (Robin Lines), October 24—Chairman, V. Genco; Secretary, A. Romero. Discus­ sion held on welfare benefits. Motion made and carried to accept and con­ cur with communications from head­ quarters. YORKMAR (Calmer), October U — Chairman, J. Papa) Secretary, J. Marshall. Vote of thanks to steward department. Steward department was requested to do their laundry during the day. General discussion waa held on SUP agreement. SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY (Seatrain Lines), October 22—Chairman, E. Wal­ lace; Secretary, P. Patrick. Motion made and carried to accept and con­ cur with communications from head­ quarters. Ship's delegate, steward dele­ gate, and steward discussed with chief cook about improving his cooking. STEEL APPRENTICE (Isthmian), October 14—Chairman, W. Kummke) Secretary, H. Taylor. Motion made 'and carried to hold special meeting jin port about food situation. STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian), Octo­ ber 9—Chairman, R. Geddlngs; Secre­ tary, E. Conner. Motion made and carried to accept comiuunications from headquarters luianimously. Im­ provement in the chow In port. Sched­ ule prepared for three days to clean laundry. STEEL WORKER (Isthmian), Octo­ ber 24—Chairman, R. Walters) Secre­ tary, M. Watson. Discussion held on precise duties of ship's committee and clarification on duties specifically given by secretary reporter. Motion made and carried to accept and con­ cur with communications from head­ quarters. Crew requested that secrep. be advised of disposition of changes agaliist Salvatore DiBelia. SUZANNE (Bull Lines), October 22 —Chairman, F. Cornier; Secretary, H. Orlando. Repairs not taken care of; to see patrolman about this. Com­ munications from headquarters were accepted. Discussion was held on SUP contract. Vote of thanks to steward and his department. Motion made and carried, to have negotiating committee check Into the possibility of having master distribute statement of earnings not later than 24 hours before arrival in port of j>ayoff. SALEM MARITIME (Cities Service), October 9—Chairman, J. Henry; Sec­ retary, M. Cox. Motion made and carried to accept and concur com­ munications from headquarters. Mo­ tion made and carried that company furnish transportation in Lake Charles like Seatrain Line does. SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Seatrain), September 30—Chairman, J. O'Nell; Secretary, J. Mayer. New ship's dele­ gate elected. Motion made and car­ ried to accept as read communication from headquarters. Motion made and carried to buy TV set and raffle off old one. ROYAL OAK (Cities Service), Octo­ ber 11—Chairman, W. Lane; Secre­ tary, D. Beard. Mate ordered pad­ locks for every foc'sle. Cigarettes to be ordered for crew from Baltimore Sea Chest. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communi­ cations from headquarters. Vote of confidence to ship's delegate. TROJAN TRADER (Tro|an), Septem>er 18—Chairman, S. Sokol; Secre­ tary, R. Perry. It was reported that Captain had American money In Italy but wouldn't issue It. That captain would not agree to sougee or paint crews quarters or make repairs that were on repair list. Matter to be turned over to boarding patrolman. Motion made and carried that crew does not sign on unless crew receives American money or travelers checks in Korea. IDEAL X (Pan-Atlantic), Septembar 25—Chairman, C. Scott; Secretary, J. Collins. Captain pleased with crew's conduct. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communica­ tions from headquarters. MADAKET (Waterman), October 9 —Chairman, J. Rose; Secretary, W. Busch. Wash water rationing hours In Inchon to be brought to the atten­ tion of-patrolman. To buy a few folding chairs in San Francisco from ship's fund. Crew requests clarifica­ tion of cigarettes declared and lit bonded locker, sealed between Hono­ lulu and San Francisco. MANKATO VICTORY (Victory Car­ riers), October 9—Chairman, Munutt; Secretary, T. Waslluk. Everything okay. Men to declare all cigarettes when entering United States. Motion made and carried that all comunications from headquarters be read and accepted. NATIONAL LIBERTY (Nat'l.), Octo­ ber 2—Chairmen, F. Gaspar; Secre­ tary, J. Mannuslynn. Photostats of marriage and birth certificates to be sent to headquarters, discussion held on this. Hand rails to be repaired on masts. BETHCOASTER (Calmar), October 11—Chairman, T. Stinnette; Secretary, R. Tyree, Motion made and carried to leave galley unlocked so crew may wash cups and plates. Discussion held on new .Repair Hst and keeping laundry room clean. OCEAN ROSE (Maritime Overseas), September 25—Chairman, D. Gay; Sec­ retary, J. Barnes. Everyone satisfied regarding lowering of second and third cooks ratings.* Motion made and carried by pantryman to have mixer Installed in galley. New refrigerators needed. ROBIN TUXFORD (Seas Shipping), IBERVILLE (Pen-Atlantic), Octeber September 11—Chairman, 1. Myers; I—Chairman, J. Kovel; Secretary, W. • Secretary, W. Messenger. Ship's dele­ Ryan. Motion made and carried to gate reported that he was informed accept and concur with communica­ that captain caUed for launch In Port tion from headquarters. Motion made Elizabeth but none was available. and carried that company be penal­ Letter from consul claimed ship ized for not posting sailing time wasn't cleared. Motion made that all when time has been changed. To be beef* be turned over to patrolman put into new contract. I-etter from by delegntes only. . headquarters read concerning sick men in foreign ports. FAIRISLI (Waterman), September KYSKA (Watermen), Octeber 14— 'Chairman,- W. Walker; Secretary, J. Lengfellew. . Unsafe working condi­ tions below referred to patrolman. 25—Chairman, P. Shale;-Secretary, C. Wood. Motion made end carried to accept as read communication from headquarter*. Eight rolls of film was rented. WOl hold errlval pool. LOG fMt« Beteu TrGtk Croups Boost '50-50' Two important tirade groups have come out strongly in support of the "50-50" shipping law which is under fire from the farm bloc. The Natiohal Foreign Trade Council and the National Industrial Traffic League have both backed the law as essential to US defense and commerce and have criti-* cized the discriminatory prac­ tices of other maritime nations. . The farm bloc and foreign ship­ ping lobbyists have been attacking "50-50" without let-up, claiming it was restricting the disposal of US farm surplus abroad. The Trade League resolution, adopted in Chicago on November 17, pointed to the substantial de­ cline in cargoes carried by US ships, now less than 25 percent of all cargoes. Both this and the on­ coming obsolescence of the US fleet justify "50-50," the group said. Trade Council Support Similar sentiments were voiced by the National Foreign Trade Council, meeting in New York. The Council emphasized that while "50-50" allowed for fair and rea­ sonable participation by both US and foreign ships in Government cargoes, other nations did not give US shipping reciprocal treatment. 'The convention," the Council resolution declared, "urges more aggressive action by the appropri­ ate agencies of our Government to assure for American shipping fair treatment and equal competi­ tive opportunity in securing com­ mercial cargoes." ''i': - • ''-i .3 J Happy to be alive, two downed Flying Tiger airmen (in tee shirts) pose with rescuers aboard the Steel Advocate. Men had been in water 44 hours. Seafarers are (rear, I to r)i Charles Ray, ch. electrician; Charles Hester, DM; Fred Umholti, AB; Albert Clause, 2n<j electrician. In front with pilots Tony Machado (left) and Robert Hightower Is bosun Doug Claussen. Seafarers Save Fliers, Foil Sharks NEW ORLEANS—Expert seamanship practiced in traditional SIU style was credited by Seafarer Douglas Claussen with the rescue of two downed fliers from mid - Pacific by the crews of the SlU-manned Steel Advocate (Isthmian). The fliers were picked up-*^ by the crew of the Steel Ad­ plane's crew was found nearby. He who escaped from the plane died vocate after they had endured had bled to death from a shark earlier during the hours the men a 44-hour ordeal during which they fdught off repeated attacks by sharjis and watched two fellow members of the five-man crew die in the water. The fifth member of the crew was unable to escape from the sinking Flying Tiger cargo plane, , The part played by Seafarers in the rescue was described by bosun Claussen on his return to his home in New'Orleans where he is va­ cationing before shipping out again. It was Claussen who first sighted one of the downed fliers, pilot Tony Machado, from his lookout post atop the radar mast. "We lowered a boat, but the en­ gine blew a sparkplug and wouldn't start," Claussen related. "So, we rowed. There were nine of us in the boat besides the chief mate. The ocean kept hiding the fliers. They would vanish, then we'd see them again." It took the Seafarers about 15 minutes to reach Machado. Claus­ sen was standing in the bow, hold­ ing the boat hook. Grabbed Hook "Machado reached out and grabbed the hook and I hauled him in," he recalled. "Then I grabbed him under the arms and pulled him into the boat," Co-pilot Robert Hightower was floating about 25 yards away from Machado. About four/ or five big sharks were milling around him, Claussen said, and he was yelling: "The sharks are getting me." As Claussen reached down to pick up Hightower a shark made a final pass at him. The chief mate shot this marauder with the ship's gun. Hightower already had suffered more than a dozen lacerations from shark bites and told the SIU crew later that he had killed one with a six-inch knife he was car­ rying, Ohiy one other inember of the bite that sheared off his thumb. were afloat and the body became Claussen said. The other man lost from the group. AFL Leaders Tobin, Durkin Die In Week Two prominent figures in AFL ranks passed away tliis past week. One was Martin P. Durkin, 61, president of tlie plumbers and steamfitters union and former Secretary of La­ bor. The other was Daniel J.-> Tobin, 83, retired president of Durkin had been president of the United Association of Journeymen the teamsters union. Durkin died at Georgetown Hospital in "Washington, DC, after a long illness. He had been ap­ pointed Secretary of Labor by President Eisenhower in January, 1953, but resigned in September after his proposed amendments to the Taft-Hartley Act were rebuffed by the administration. In his resignation, Durkin charged that the amendments h^ had drafted had the approval of Preridential assistants and Eisen­ hower himself, but had been vetoed by Secretary of Commerce Sinclair Weeks. Before coming to Washington, and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry since 1941. He returned to his union post after leaving the cabinet. Funeral ceremonies took place in his home city. Chicago, on November 18. Tobin, a member of the AFL Executive Council for many years, died in Indianapolis from a heart ailment. He became president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters back in 1907 when its membership was 28.000 and took part in the early growth of the AFL. When he stepped down in 1952, the Teamsters membership had grown to 1^ million. Camera Swindle In Germany A Seafarer recently back from Germany—who chooses to remain nameless—warns of a swindle being operated in Bremen-and Bremerhaven. The Seafarer reports he.was ap­ proached by a pretty girl while shopping for a camera and was told she had outside connections whereby he could get a big discount. Operating through a "salesman" who came to her apartment the Seafarer bought two cameras for $200, leaving them in her apartment while they went out for the evening. During their rounds the girl disappeared. Not having her address and not knowing her neigworhood, his attempts to locate his cameras were fruitless. He warns other Seafarers to be­ ware pretty German girls offering big business deals. * .J •u-i • -f. 1 •.'S I JI �f&iffif'" Pare EirM &- • SEAFARERS ' Nov. «5. ms. LOG Bridges-ILA TiB-Up York and begin hearings, but has temporarily postponed its probe. In addition to the Bridges agents already on the scene and the staff of "researcher?" fte is sending to the East , Coast, -the TLA will now serve as a.base of operations for the entire Communist apparatus in New York, including the dozens Bridges, boss of the West of experienced operatives who Coast dockers union, is ready­ were displaced from other unions ing a full-scale push on the such as the National Union of Marine Cooks and Stewards and East Coast, led by a team of the independent Fur and Leather Communists - trained "re­ Workers, both now defunct. search" experts. Bridges i-ecent Bridges recent trip east—to study visit to New York during which he "longshore costs and operations"— appeared on two ILA piers and was actually to meet with ILA conferred with ILA leaders at the representatives and arrange for ex­ Hotel Paramount brought into the pansion of his operations on the open a new Communist-supported* front here. The arrival of the "re­ drive on the New York waterfront. searchers" can be expected shortly Groundwork for the new operation along with funds for ILA and will has been cultivated for months by undoubtedly be followed by a flood a team of Bridges-Communist of literature and heightened antiParty agents who have been work­ AFL activity on the ,waterfront. ing for the ILA ever since the At the time of his visit. Bridges AFL challenged its control in 1953. in a press conferfnce reported he had assigned Velson here to study First Since 1946 For the first time since 1946, the Waterfront Commission and to when he was an ally of NMU Presi­ keep an eye on Paul Hall, the SIU dent Joseph Curran in the Com­ and the AFL Longshore Union. munist-controlled Committee for 2-Year" Infiltration Maritime Unity, Bridges is in a The latest Bridges move climaxes position to make a bid for East two years' infiltration on the New Coast dockers. His 1946 drive was York waterfront since the AFL ex­ thrown back largely by the SIU pelled the ILA in September, 1953. and SUP. This time he hopes for Official ILWU representatives have greater success because he has been constantly on the scene dur­ reached an "understanding" with ing that period and have coordinat­ the ILA's official family. For ed ILA activities with Communist months ILA officials have accepted Party representatives In New York. his Communist-line agents and Chief among them is Irving Vel­ worked with them. son, who also uses the names Jack­ This tie-up between the racket- son and Wilson.-He's a veteran op­ dominated ILA and tift Communist erative whose waterfront activities Party's favorite unionist, according date back to the 1930's and he car­ to nationally-syndicated columnist ries the official title of ILWU in­ Victor Riesel, has caused consider­ ternational representative. Others able alarm in Washington. Ricsel are Jeff Kibre, Washington lobby­ reports that a Senate eommittee ist for Bridges, Abe Burshad, who was prepared to move into New has been labeled a CP agent and Sam Madell, head of the Commu­ nist Party's waterfront section. Backing up this group are men like Nick Karambis, Communist Party liner who is in charge of dis­ tribution of the Communist sheet, the "New Jersey Docker.", Karam­ bis has been a leader, a chauffeur and has held other waterfront jobs. He is a seasoned professional in the field. • ' Eager Communist Support In fact, the entire Communist Party headquarters machine in New York which has so avidly sup­ ported the ILA from the time it was expelled from AFL, can be counted on as an eager participant in Bridges' campaign. When the AFL expelled the ILA back in September, 1953, Bridges saw a chance to move in on a chaotio situation and lock up long­ shoremen throughout the country. The opportunity was there and so was the talent in the form of doz­ ens of unemployed party-line pros who had lost their union spots. Bridges didn't wait long to act. "Dockers News," long the spokes­ man for the CP section in long­ shore", tipped off his approach. For a few days in' September, 1953, "Dockers News" extolled the AFL's move. Suddenly the line changed to a critical one. From that day to the present "Dockers News," the "Daily Worker" and the "Dis­ patcher," Bridges newspaper, have gone down the line with every act of the mob-controlled ILA. What­ ever the ILA did, from making the men vote a second time on a re­ jected contract to forcing them out on political strikes met with en­ thusiastic approval of the Commu­ nist claque. Bridges did more than propagan­ dize for, ILA. Considerable sums of cash openly changed hands, up to $30,000 worth contributed by ILWU locals. It is believed this represent­ After months of clandes­ tine co/itact with top lead­ ers of the racket-controlled International Longshore­ men's Association, Harry ed only the visible portion of funds the ILA received from Bridges. CP waterfront operatives lent a hand with publicity, literature, leaflet distribution, campaign tactics^ Re­ prints of Communist literature from the "March of Labor" and other party-line publications were distributed under the ILA' ^abel. Bridges agents attempted to infil­ trate the new AFL longshore un­ ion and wean away supporters par­ ticularly among minority groups— a standard Communist tactic. ' The activities of Just one agent, Irving Velson, give an idea of the extent of the Communists penetra­ tion. For example in March, 1954, Velson. Kibre and Bershad met with pro-AFL Negro longshore leaders in an unsuccessful effort to woo them Jnto the ILA. In May, 1954, Tony Anastasia, overlord of the Brooklyn piers, sent underlings to the West Coast who collected $21,000 from Bridges' locals there. Velson was the logical man to ar­ range such a tour. ^ Renewed Action When the ILA squeaked through to victory in the NLRB election there was a slow-down in Velson's activities. But when AFL long­ shoremen renewed their campaign, he once again became prominent. In March, 1955, Velson con­ ferred with ILA officials in Wash­ ington during an ILA executive board meeting. Then he went, to Albany on behalf of ILA support­ ing legislation to clip the wings of the Waterfront Commission. He was working openly out of Anastasia's office in Brooklyn at the time. In May Bridges came to New York and had a significant meet­ ing on the 10th with his agent Vel­ son, an ILA intermediary and a highly close and personal associate of Eddie McGrath. McGrath is considered the head man in the West Side ILA mob. Following this meeting Velson appeared on the ILA payroll. Ho was hired as Vpubiic. relations as­ sistant" by Packy" Connolly, head of the Pistol Local and ILA vicie^ president. Velson took the Job un­ der the name "Charles Jackson" but couldn't conceal his identity for long. When the cat got out of bag ILA President William Brad­ ley "fired" him claiming Velson had posed as an anti-Communist. Of course Bradley and top ILA officials knew very well who he was. As Frederick Woltman of the "World Telegram and Sun" put it, Velson had bee.n "buzzing in and out" of ILA headquarters and A.aastasia's office for months. Gleason Knew Him The "firing" <if Velson was Just a screen for further m'aneuvers. On September 2, Bridges' news­ paper the, "Dispatcher" reported on a closed meeting of ILA's New York District Council of August 7. In answer to a question about Vel­ son, General Organizer Gleason said "he knew Bridges and met with him every time Bridges came to New York and Hi ways got "good advice from him. Gleason said he also met with Velson and said Vel­ son was a good trade unionist and that he would continue to meet with Velson.'" Admit Meetings At first, Gleason and Bradley denied this account. But just last week, Bradley about-faced and con­ ceded Gleason had several meet­ ing with Velson. He excused them by claiming he and Gleason "didn't know" who Velson really was. One wonders if they will claim they really "didn't know" who Bridges was after meeting with him at the Hotel Paramount last' week. The climax was Bridges' visit of last week during which ne sym- The Twists And Turns Of The ILA-Harry Bridges Friendship Over The Past Two Years A ' i OfFiClAlStimBiFY f ACTIVITY WITH llA, I ff I • Wf rt' AFL LOHS^iDfiA AFLEY^ILAR coMMVfiisrs cofm^L . OHIOHVFFEAIS ONLY ILWU AhlDMCSOfi % ComiES'AYTBA\?T TAB WATERFROttr. • — FIRST NLRB LORSSNORS BLBCTIOR, AFL LflVhlCHES VaWe FOR Ve/WXU!ATIC EAST CC3AST UNIOR' BRWSBSlRNEVl YomCFDRsecRsr MERflNSeWnRlLA* 6BCOND 7 LCMSSRORBK BLBCrtOR BHIC^SASEA/JS KHIAD CAHPAmiV^fVR/LA. ILA OFFICIALS RSTVRN Wn» ^IO.COOBIFTFRCM BRiDSSSfAND PROMISES OF lAORB. ILA OFFICIALS PLY YO WBST COASTFOR. MBBTiNS WITRBRIVSES A/VP ASEALTB ... ip-:" ps^---' • VEl£oR 15 ASSHSREP TD WATCH-eiU AND AFl^lBlt ifftV: te; TeAM OF ILWU '"^RESBAgCNERS" -to SET UP ON NEW TtRkf umefiRORT* 'V ye. AFL MARtriME-IRAD^ vePARJmfT pLEosss FULL emoftrvAFL-igL ^ FIRST AFL'/SL V COmiFDil PLBDSSS COMURPEDFl&fTFOR vecENT L0nsm»a UNION* , ms l;:3ifj. ;v AFL STEWARDS'VierVfiY OR WEST COAST TORCSS LiaumripNcFBRipseS^ c.p.-'^MmreDAics, SRloeeSARP HiS ASeNIS MBFT wm ILA OFFICIALS .,. { VBLSORLOBBIES FORILAiR erATB^CAPlTAL. gRiPSss W5ns NEWYDRF-OR YWROFPiERS ILA'S eLEASOR yM APMiTS-pB wny ^ BRiVSBSS^YejSO/i; PROMISES CONlJfJUS> CouABoamoN* �r-'-'V -• .'" •' •'•''"^'•^^^2 ..... N«T. tS. 1<8S Pare Nine SEAFARERS LOG In On fir ;• 't ; 'J ' Abraham Be^shad (3rd from right) ii shown -at an AFL (ongshora meeting during the 1954 waterfront drive. Bershad a(so attempted to infiltrate AFL educational meetings for shop stewarlds and others. bolized his aim by boldly going out on key ILA piers. It was the first time Bridges had ever openly ap­ peared on a New York pier. Inci­ dentally, the longshore leaders who had no protest over Bridges' action were the same ones who had the men boycott Russian furs and Polish hams in the past. Obvious- Moves From here on Bridges' moves are pretty obvious. He will show in­ creasing attention to details of ILA operations. His "research" team and other Communist oper­ atives" will pick -up every piece of authority they can grab. The fundstarved ILA will get another trans­ fusion and the Bridges-Communist team will determine how the money will be spent. Heavy fire will be leveled at the AFL longshoremen and imions sup­ porting them will be attacked. Since the SIU and Teamsters Lo­ cal 807, the waterfront teamsters, are two keys in any AFL campaign, they will take the brunt of Bridges' fire. . I Hatred Of SIU Bridges has ample reason to seek vengeance on SIU because in 1945 and again'in 1946 it was the SIU which rebuffed him when he at­ tempted to take control of New York docks through CMU. Early this year Bridges suffered a major defeat when he was deprived of his seagoing cadre among West Coastcooks and stewards by an SIU of NA election victory. In his attempts to weaken SIU,Bridges will most certainly direct Here Bershad, Irving Velson and JefF Kibre (I to r) are shown in conversation with a Negro longshoremen's leader while they were attempting to swing him into the ILA camp. The Background Of A Bridges-CP 'Team' tfvS^I ftCharles Velson, alias Charles If rifflCf Jackson, Charles Wilson and "Shavey" has had a lengthy career as a Communist Party water­ front operative. Here are some of the known facts about his past; Velson's first known activity for the waterfront section dates back to pre-World War II days when he was working at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and helped distribute Communist publications on the waterfi'onti Subsequently he was discharged from the Navy Yard Job and identified by his Communist Party alias of Charles Wilson. In 1941, as Charles Jackson, he became part of the political club in BrooUyn run by Pete Cacchione, who was a Communist candidate for public office and a member of the New York City Council for a time. The following year he tied in with the CIO Marine and Shipyard Workers, becoming president of Local 13 of that union In 1943. Subsequently, according to his own tes­ timony, he spent two years in the Navy. After coming out of the Navy he resumed his post with the Shipyard Workers but was expelled for life from the union for Cortimunist activities. Velson first attracted national prominence of sorts when he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Commit­ tee in 1953. He was accused by witnesses of being a Director of the Young Communist League program to Infiltrate the armed forces. When Velson took the stand, he found it necessary to refuse to a propaganda barrage at rank and file Seafarers under a variety of false fronts. Seafarers can expect heavy mailings to the ships and even to their homes of assorted literature, ground out by the "re­ search" experts. Bridges move then, is of direct concern to every Seafarer. The SIU's answer is a positive reaffir­ mation of the membership's policy of giving all possible assistance to AFL longshoremen. Such action is in the self-interest of every Sea­ farer and every working long­ shoreman in the harbor. SHIP CLERKS* ASSOCIATION LbCAL 34, i.L.W.U. PitR 3. EMBARCADERO ^AN Pft^NCISCO pA-TOTMr lV58 ^ mar ir, " ORDERo^Bank,and £lla IIA DafuUM GQBOHlttee, £orfc.«f .Zl»..buiMfeed..and no/lOO; 1I-17S HARBOR BRANCH 100 BHBARCADBRO^ • I9_ a; ^.00 .DOLLAR^ 11-175 l&^nk of NATIONAL n.VlVoSAS80CIATION FRANCISCO. CAUFORNLA One of many checks which Bridges' union gave to ILA in course of AFL campaign is this one which ILA Vice-President Tony Anastasfa's representative Anthony Impliazzo received. Bridges claii to have given ILA up to $30,000 last year. answer on the grounds of possible self-incrimination to several questions. These included: Whether he permitted the mysterious "J. Peters" (named by Whittaker Chambers as the head of a So­ viet spy apparatus) to use his address as a letter drop; Whether he could affirm or deny that Peters was in charge of Soviet espionage; Whether he knew of any of Peters' activities; Whether he knew Alger Hiss; Whether he himself had supervised espionage in the Panama Canal Zone. To all these Velson pleaded the constitutional bar to self-in­ crimination. This testimony came on May 6, 1953. Within a year, Velson was actively assisting the ILA as ILWU International Representative and has been spending full time on this assignment ever since. His most recent employment has been on the ILA payroll as public relations assistant. • £-0 Currently East Coast regional representaJctt f%IOrC ""tive for Bridges' International Longshore­ men's and Warehouse Union and is registered in Washington, DC, as"a lobbyist for the union. He is a veteran Communist Party functionary who has had wide experience in a number of labor areas. He 4ias been identified as a Party member under the name of "Barry . Wood" in testimony before the House Un-Ameri­ can Affaii-s Committee given in March, 1947, and subsequently. Kibre at one time was head of the ILWU's fish­ erman's division which was notoriously Commu­ nist-dominated throughout. For a time he had considerable authority in the International As­ sociation of Theatrical Stage Employees in Hollywood, so much so that it has been reported that motion pic­ ture producers dealt directly with him over the heads of lATSE local officials. He took an active part in the 1954 waterfront campaign on be­ half of ILA and met with Negro longshore leaders in an unsuc­ cessful attempt to swing them away from the AFL and into the ILA camp. aeronautical engineer SKufOnatn DerSllOCf—by profession, having re­ ceived his degree at the University of Michigan in 1949. Although not a longshoreman, he showed up on the waterfront at the time the AFL drive began and under circumstances not explained by the ILA got a regular long­ shore job at the 33rd Street pier, Brooklyn. This pier was under ILA control throughout the campaign. Bershad attempted unsuccessfully on a num­ ber of occasions to work himself into AFL longshore ranks, attending meetings and educa­ tional classes conducted by the AFL, all aimed, at disruption. He was the go-between who made contacts with AFL longshoremen for Kibre and Velson. B 'rshad was named as a Communist Party member in testi­ mony before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He is still participating in meetings with ILA people and is still around the waterfront, although he is not working as a long­ shoreman at present. �I • ,1 L \ raw Ten Nwr. tS. 19iS SEAFjittiettS^lOG SlU-Manned Tug Rescues Radar Island Standees The Kid Brother Is Qoin' Alright, too!' BOSTON—Strong winds have been playing havoc with the man-made radar "island" stationed 100 miles off Cape Cod, hampering activities of the SlU-manned tug El Sol which services the unusual craft and stranding at least one inspec­ ing offshore oil, was battered over tion party. The group was the weekend by winds that on Sun­ day ripped off an 80-ton fender protecting one of the three "legs" imbedded in the ocean floor on which the installation rests. The tower is the first of a series planned for location all along the Atlantic coast as advance warning stations. Earlier, the weather prevented the scheduled departure of an Air Force inspection party for the mainland aboard the El Sol. The SlU-manned tug services the per­ manent military and civilian main­ tenance force aboard the tower with supplies and mail, plus ferry The deaths of the following Sea­ service with the mainland. Per­ farers have been reported to the sonnel aboard the tower rate a Seafarers Welfare Plan and the short leave every 30 days. Heavy Grain Exports SIU death benefit is being paid In other action, the port of Bos­ to their beneficiaries: ton is regaining a top position Ignacio Brose. 56: Brother Brose among the nation's grain export died of natural centers and should again handle causes on Octo­ over one million bushels for No­ ber 16, 1955, in vember. Since Boston now has the Queens Gen­ parity on rail rates with other eral Hospital in North Atlantic ports, the record Queens, NY. Bur­ grain movements are considered a ial took place in positive indication of the potential the Long Island that is in store for the port when National Ceme­ it is given an even opportunity with tery in Farmingother areas. dale. Brother Shipping, meanwhile, continues Brose joined the Union in New on the slow bell despite two signYork in the early part of this year ons and three payoffs. The out­ . and had been sailing in the steward look is fair, however, based on a department. He is survived by his cold winter and consequent heavy wife, Lorraine, of Queens, NY. oil needs. taken off after six days on the wind-lashed platform. The experimental radar plat­ form, which is patterned after the "Texas Tower" rigs used for drill- Final Dispatch it t t Max Byers, 56: A heart attack was the cause of Max Byers* death on October 26, 1955, at the Seasi d e Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, Califor­ »• nia. He was bur­ ied in HiUside Memorial Parkin Los Angeles. Brother Byers had been a member of the engine department since 1944, joining the SIU in the Port of Baltimore. He is survived by his brother, Herbert H. Byers, of Tucson, Arizona. ISt ICt Joseph Phillips, 63: On October 6, 1955 Brother Phillips died in his home in Cam­ den, New Jersey. Burial took place in the Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Brother Phillips was one of the first members of the Union joining in' November, 1938. He had been sailing in engine department. He is survived by his wife, Olive, of Camden, NJ. Make Checks To 'SlU-A&G' Seafarers mailing in checks or money orders to the Union to cover dues payments are urged to foe sure to make all of them payable to tbe.SIU-A&G District. Some Seafarers have sent in checks and money orders in the names of individual headquar­ ters officials. This makes for a problem in bookkeeping which csm be avoided if checks are nvide out to the Union directly. 5F Stirs From Its Doldrums SAN FRANCISCO—Job ac­ tivity has picked up in this port, bolstered in part by the unexpected arrival of the Jean Lafitte for payoff and sign-on. The Waterman ship was the first pay­ off recorded here in two months. The coming weeks are also due to show some improvement over the recent slow-up In shipping here. One payoff is already sched­ uled, in addition to a number of In-transits. Together it is likely^they will liven things up a bit by shaking loose some of the men oh the beach. Seafarers at the last branch membership meeting here also took occasion to hail the new in­ crease in wages for chief stewards and chief cooks as well as the boost in vacation pay which amounts to an increase for all ratings. SIU vacation pay, starting January 1, 1956, will be $244 annually, up from the previous industry high of $176. The wage boosts in the steward department now give chief stew­ ards parity on base pay with bosuns, via a $10.43 monthly in­ crease, and establish a $5 differen­ tial for the chief cook over the night cook and baker, in recogni­ tion of the former's primary re­ sponsibility for the preparation of main meals. All the items won by the SIU in the latest negotiations earned high praise from Seafarers ashore here. In addition to the Jean Lafitte, one other sign-on here was the Young America. In transit callers at the port were the Alamar, Tops Topa and Steel Designer. It'$-always good news for Seafarers when an SIU affiliate makes headway such as the Marine AlHed Workers has been doing in recent months. MAW has registered an imiressive number of gains, the latest being its succ^Ss in an NLRB election on tugs of he Blue Stack Towing Company, a Gulif operation. It followed on the heels of similar successes on the Wilson Line, the Chester erries and other East and Gulf Coast operaions. MAW has been organizing for several >rears among crews of tugs, ferries, barges and other river and harbor craft as well as in shoreside marinb operations. The units t organizes are usually small and far-flung, which makes for a lot of hard work. Never­ theless it has built up a sizable nucleus of membership in these operations in a num­ ber of ports. That speaks well for its energy and ability in organizing an area of maritiine which has been relatively neglected by the union movement. As an SIU affiliate, MAW enjoys the full support of the SIU in all ports. Its recent growth reflects the value of that support, which in turn strengthens the SIU's position in the maritime industry. There is still much work ahead for the organization before it can lay claim to repre­ senting the major por.tion of its field of op­ erations. But it is getting thert at a good rate and increasing its stature in the industry accordiftgly. Big EAbor Week New York will serve as headquarters for he US labor movement for the next couple of weeks as the Maritime Trades Depart­ ment, the AFL and CIO all schedule im­ portant conventions in the city, climaxed by the AFL-CIO merger convention. Hotel reservations are hard to come by as dele­ gates gather for what should be most siglificant sessions for the future of organized "abor. The MTD convention, with which Sea­ farers are first concerned, comes face to face with two extremely important issues. One is the projected campaign of one of its mem­ ber unions, the International Brotherhood of Longshoremen, AFL, among longshore­ men in New York harbor. IBL lost out by a bare handful of votes in the last election n May, 1954, and developments on the docks tiave been favorable to its comeback. -The second ihajor issue is the status of MTD within the merged AFL-CIO organi­ zation. Assurances have been received from George Meany, who will head the merged body, that MTD will continue as the spokes­ man for maritime labor. The convention is expected to reiterate very strongly that MTD's official status should be recognized when the AFL and CIO join hands the fol­ lowing week. As far as AFL-CIO merger is concerneoK the coming meeting of the two organizations will put the stamp of approval on an agree­ ment which has already been cast in final form. All member unions have been, assured that the merger will in no way disturb their autonomy, jurisdiction and contracts. Any fur^er consolidations in maritime or any other area will be up to the memberships of the respective unions involved. More Union Busting The US isn't the only place where unionjusters have been active recently. Up iiiorth in Canada, the SIU Canadian District has been the target of an employer move which was an open attempt to destroy a Canadian District bargaining unit. In this instance, the employer resorted to fraudulent decertification petitions, threats of mass firings, foi^ery and intimidation to ceep the Canadian District from getting a contract on its vessels, The emplpyer activi­ ties were so raw that the company and its officials face a variety of court charges for their actions. The Canadian incident bears no direct re­ lation to the more publicized union-busting at the Perfect Circle plant in Indiana and in a number of southern plants. But it does point up the increasing boldness with which employers ar« attacking unipns. .: �Ndf. 25, 1955 MEET THE SEilEARERS FREDERICK KOPF, baker FIDEL G. LVKBAN, ch. stewwd "We're the ^only people in the Most stowaways never make the grade, but Seafarer Fidel G. Luk- world who see everything and get paid for it." ban upset the odds. His successful That in a nut­ escapade on the Fairfield City shell was the way (Isthmian) back in 1922 was the Seafarer . Fred Kopf summed up start of a long seafaring career! his personal reaIt was in Manila on his 25th sctiis for going to birthday that Lukban successfully sea. After a numhid aboard the Isthmian ship. He . ber of years as a was permitted to stay on and theii mess sergeant in spent another trip on Iwr as a the US Army, workaway. Subsequently, he be­ Kopf caught his came a wiper, fireman and oiler on the same ship. "I was on that one first ship out of Boston and became an immediate convert to seafaring ship five years and three days." In 1929, Lukban switched over life. In 1947 he joined the SIU in to the steward department on the that city. Since then he shifted to Satartia of the Baltimore as his home port. His first vessel was a tanker as now defunct American-Repub­ were a number of ships that fol­ lic Line. Those lowed, Finally, Kopf caught one were the dark that was going to the Persian Gulf. ages for seamen. The trip took 11 months all told Lukban recalls and "that cured me of tankers." He working on Mun- will still grab a coastwise tankship son Line ships occasionally, but he won't ride it for company scrip for very long. For offshore runs and getting as he sticks to the dry cargo jobs. Lulcban Italy A Favorite little as $28 a As a bachelor, Kopf has no limi­ month in subsequent years. He became a member of the tations on where he goes or how NMU in 1940 but didn't stay with long he is away. By and large, he It very long. In December, 1943, prefers Italy and the Mediterreanhe received his SIU book which he ean, but he isn't that fussy. Any says "I'd rather have tha'ta any European or Far Eastern run suits him fine. Italy qualifies as'a sec­ other possession on earth." ond home because he has relatives Torpedoed Four Times there. Although he holds all steward Kopf usually sails as baker or as department ratings, Lukban pre­ chief cook. From personal experi­ fers to sail in Group 3 these days ence he's found that cooking at and leave the headaches to others. sea offers a few hazards not found He figures that by now he has elsewhere. Twice he has suffered sailed with every major SIU com­ 2nd degree burns'during storms pany and most of the smaller ones -off Cape Hatteras when the ships as well. In the course of his career he was on took a violent roll and his ships were torpedoed no less spattered him with hot liquids thsn four times and struck mines from the galley stove. Now he twice, oddly enough the worst keeps a wary eye peeled when, his experience was in 1949 on the ships are off the Cape. Maiden Creek when it hit a mine Nonetheless, he wouldn't trade outside of Bremei-haven. his seafaring life for any other. The father of four sons, Lukban When you are on a ship you can has .his home in Closter, New Jer­ appreciate your kind of life in con­ sey, M'here he also houses a huge trast with the way people live In stamp collection. "I've been col­ other parts of the, world. During lecting stamps since 1910," he says, the Korean fighting life was awful­ "and being a seaman I've gotten ly cheap there. I was glad to get stamps of 56 different , nations. back on ship and head home, thank­ When I retire, I'll be able to spend ing my lucky stars for what I have." a lot more time with my hobby." No agreement has yet been reached in the month-old strike of the International Union of Electri­ cal Workers, CIO, at several plants of the Westinghouse Electric Cor­ poration. The firm is maintaining production - at plants which are under contract to other unions while strike settlement talks are in progi-ess. t t The non-Communist oath provi­ sion of the Taft-Hartley law has been watered-down by a US Court of Appeals ruling. The court said that the National Labor Relations Board could not deny its machinery to a union even if a union official perjured on a non-Communist oath. The official is subject to penalty, the court said, but the union can­ not be penalized by the NLRB. l" 4" 4. City officials are attempting to head off. a possible strike on New York's privately owned bus lines scheduled for December 1. The Transport Workers Union has is­ sued the strike call. Bus lines are asking a fare Increase from 13 to 15 cents before they will commit themselves to a wage increase, but the city is opposing the rise. 'City-owned buses already charg­ ing the 15-cent fare. 4" 4 Pafe Bbrcttt SEAWARERS tOG . v 3) Radio and television performers have been assured pensions at the age of 55 or later under • a plan set up by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Pension benefits for high-priced performers could run as high as $7,500 a year and are financed by the networks and producers of radio and TV shows. t 4 4i Production of rope for both shipboard and shoreside use was resumed at the Columbian Rope Company, Auburn, NY, as the CIO Textile Workers ended a twomonth strike. The two-year agree­ ment provided a straight wage boost of five to eight cents hourly. Columbian is one of the major suppliers of manila rope for the steamship industry. An AFL Machinists Union offi­ cial has been re-elected mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, after top­ ping a field of 18. Joseph V. Cronin, business manager of Dis­ trict 126, was the successful can­ didate. The may'oraity in Hartford goes to the man who gets the high vote for dity council. «• All Smiles After Overtime Beef After arguing an overtime beef involving 6IV2 hours for the deck maintenance man, on Seanan, Union reaches harmonious agreement on paying the claim. Seated (I to r) are: R. L. Glenn, US shipping commissioner; Charles Kimball, SIU patrolman, Charles Tannehill, SIU .Houston port agent; Captain S. Glyn Hensson. Standing is ship's delegate S. Laid. Beef con­ cerned breaking up of concrete armor shield around wheel house. 4 Quitting Ship? Nbtify Union A reminder from SIU headquarters cautions all Seafarers leaving their ships to contact the hall In ample time to allow the Union to dispatch a replacement. Fail­ ure to give notice before paying off may cause a de­ layed sailing, force the ship to sail short of the manning requirements and needlessly make the work tougher for your shipmates. Lake Chas. Gets New Cement Co. ^—1 New York Expects Holiday Job Boost NEW YORK—^Looking forward to the imminent arrival of a number of ships for payoff from- long foreign runs, Seafai> ers on this port's largest registration list in years are giving recreational facilities at SIU"^" headquarters lots of play in of the ships Involved originally crewed up here in New York, the the meantime. crews apparently returned here to The payoffs in prospect are ex­ pected to boost shipping since the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays should find many crews getting off in order to en­ joy the festivities with their families. The large number of men reg­ istered stems partly from recent lay-ups and also from foreign-flag transfers earlier this month. In the case of the lay-ups since most register. Experience in previous years shows there has always been a good turnover in shipping be­ tween mid-November and January 1, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ciaude Simmons pointed out, and the present season should be no exception. He listed the statistics of tha past period as 18 payoff.s, 7 signons and 12 ships in transit. On the Robin Mowuray they have a ship's delegate who handles his job with dispatch and then shows movies to the crew in the evening. He la Peter Gvozdich, who rates an accolade on both counts, because he performed both assignments with skill. 4 4 4> The whole deck gang on tlm Elizabeth came in for words of praise from the chief mate on the last trip out. It seems they had a rough run all the way and the deck department real­ ly had to be on its toes. Robert Prideaux was bo­ sun aboard.. her Prideaux and the rest of the gang were: Antonio Ferrara, carp.;, Louis Figueroa and Sylves­ ter Barnes, DMs; Elmer Witzke, Carlo Ibrain, Lo^s Gooch, Carol Rent, Robert Rivera and Julio Fiores, ABs; Arthur Camara, Adolfo Avitate and Joaquin Passapera, ordinaries. - > While the plaudits are being handed out on the Elizabeth, ship's delegate Allen Friend also comes in for his share for doing a fine job in that capacity. Sounds like a good crew all around. Talking about delegates, there's a pretty good one aboard the Na­ tional .Liberty who is temporarily unoccupied. He's Seafarer Frank Caspar' who resigned from the job after three successive trips as dele­ gate, saying that somebody else should take a crack at it. Caspar's decision was accepted reluctantly by the crew who said he had done a solid job while he was in there. 4 4' 4 Counting the Union's money, literally and figuratively the past couple of weeks has been the quarterly finance committee elect­ ed at the Novem­ ber 2 headquart­ ers membership meeting. Commit. tee members were E. C. Bell and E. A. Han­ Czeslowski sen, deck depart­ ment; C. J. Dougherty and S. B. Czeslowski for the black gang; F. G. Lukban and N. M. Nomicos, steward. Among other xank and file mem­ bers who had responsibilities at the November 2 meeting were the following who served as meeting chairmen: R. Jones in Wilmington; R. Cohen in Houston; B. F. Lowe at Lake Charles, J. B. Bragg in Savannah and W. A. Harrell In Norfolk. LAKE CHARLES —News that the expected contract to build a new cement plant here has been signed is buoying hopes for increasing freightship move­ ments into this port before long. Actual construction of the river­ front plant is due to begin very soon and it is scheduled to be ready late next year. It is expected that the new facility will spin* more regular freight movements through the port, which is strictly a tanker port right now. The good shipping of the past few months, meanwhile, is con­ tinuing at the same spirited pace that has had Seafarers moving in and out with little difficulty. However, Leroy Clarke, SIU port agent, cautioned that there are still enough men on the registration list to handle the present flow of jobs in all ratings. Ten Cities Service tankers ac­ counted for the bulk of the ship­ ping activity during the past two weeks, which was supplemented by the presence of the Ded Monte (Mississippi) here, the Val Chem (Valentine) in Orange, Texas, and Colonial's Sea Tiger in Port Arthur. All these ships were in fine shape, with the exception of the Sea Tiger, which needs quite a few repairs. These are scheduled to be handled at the northern end of the run after the ship leaves here. . ' A welcome note ds the fact that the branch has no men on the sick list, either in the local hospitals or on outpatient status. 'm �MrciTO f'--' t <• '• SEAFARERS LOG SlU 'Beauty' Is Served At Lake Charles Relaxed in a beauty parlor chair as the attendant gets him ready for a permanent wave no less, this Seafarer in Lake Charles must remain nameless because the lensman who snooped and took the photo was more inter­ ested in the idea than the "ID.' Our man here is known to some tanker regulars as "Moose" or "Ski." Pix In LOG Costs Him! It figures that although the LOG has been printing the photographs of at least 2,000 Opens YokohamaY/Hanhattan Seafarers every 12 months for many years — there were 81 SIU Bar' But Still Pines For NY men pictured in the last issue, for One of many Seafarers in the growing American colony example — somebody will always over in Yokohama, who stayed to homestead after a brief be left but. But actually there are more SIU stopover, Seafarer Max Lipkin reports that after a five-year men who think they've never had "holiday" he's back in the-*' their picture in saloon business, "Maybe item of note for many SIU men the LOG than the need my head examined," he when he reported that the wellrecord will show. adds, "but I've decided to give it a whirl again and hope to make my place, the "Manhattan Bar," a meeting place for all A&G men here. "This is a cold, crisp, lovely day here, and though it feels good to be in Japan there comes a time — too damn often, as a matter of fact — when I wonder what things are like in old New York and other never-tobe-forgott e n places like New Orleans, San Francisco and our other shipping ports. Meanwhile, however, I'm hoping to renew old acquaintances when SIU ships come into port here." Lipkin's letter provided a news known "Marseilles Bar" owned and operated by Seafarer Freddy Reid has closed down. "Freddy shipped bosun on the William F, Burden, an SIU tanker that came out of lay-up here, and the "Marseilles Bai-" is now the "Copenhagen Bar," which all the Scandanavian sea­ men are making a port o' call." Steel Age View • • A USPHS Has Last Say On Duty Slip Under the SIU contract, US Public Health Service doctors have the final say on whether or not a man is fit for duty. If there is any question about your fitness to sail, check with the nearest USPHS hospital or out-patient clinic for a ruling. I r-S' y-. K"; U.SPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND. NY. A. Androh L. Malsonet Arthur Beck Thomas E. Maynei George Carlson Robert J.'Menser John Castro Paige A. Mitchell Donald R. Catlin William Neef James Clarke H. C. Parker O. Coleman S. Peliksze James J. DeVito Santos Pizarro Ramon Galarza George Rees Estell Godfrey A. Reibus Hemsley Gulnicr .Tuan Reyes Halvor Holt William R. Rhone Eugene C. Hood G. H. Robinson D. Halm Jose Rodriguez F. R. Kaziukewicz Santiago Rosario M. A. Lucas Vernon Sheats W. F. Luhrsen K. Shoss Itlartin L.vnch John Thompson ^ N. ^ckeaven Yu Song Yee USPHS HOSPITAL DETROIT, MICH. . Tim Burke USPHS HOSPITAL MEMPHIS. TENN. Charles Burton USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH BROOKLYN. NY. Edmund Abualy Walter W. Dcniey Manuel Antonana John J. Driscoll Eladlo Arls Robert E. GUbert John Auslitz Bart E. Guranick Fortunato Bacomo Taib Hnssen Frank W. Bemrick Joseph Ifsits Robert L. Booker Thomas Isaksen Walter L. Davis • John W. Keenan Emillo Delgado John R. Kiemovdcf _ Passenger Sqfh Reed gets a bird's-eye view from the deck of the Steel Age at Bill Gallagher, ship's dele­ gate, shows him around. The youngster was en route to Beirut with his parents. Ludwig Kristiansen Eugens T. Nelson Frederick Landry Joseph Neubauer James J. Lawlor James 0*Hare Kaarel Leetmaa Ralph J. Palmer Leonard Lcidig George G. Phifer Joseph D. McGraw D. F. Ruggiano Archibald McGuigan G. E. Shumaker David Mcllreath Henry E. Smith H. F. MacDonald Karl Treimann Michael Machusky Harry S. Tuttle Vic Milazzo VirgU E. WUmoth Melvin O. Moore Ghee K. Zai USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS B. F. Deibler Roseudo Serrano Joseph J. Fusella VA HOSPITAL KERRVILLE, TEXAS Billy R. HiU USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON. TEXAS George S. Cutrer Ben.iamin C. Seal Edsel O. Malcom E. A. Spaulding John E. Markopulo W. R. Thompson Aubry L. Sargent John E. TiUman Charles T. Scott USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK, VA. Francis J. Boner Claiborne Massey Everett J. Callis Carl W. Mitchell E. Cononizado H. G. Shartzer Fred Harrell Norman D. WUson Terral McHanev USPHS HOSPITAL S.\N FRANCISCO. CALIF. Marcelo B.. Belen Salvatore Guiffre Leon C. Brown Rafael Hioa Michael F. Dellano John H. Huff Charles Dvrsev John S. Sweeney f^rn^rjlQ .-.v a-.- A Seafarer since April 11, 1946, when he joined in the port of Mobile, Thom­ as O. Owen on many occasions has stoutly in­ Owen sisted to shipmate Terry Glen that he "never had a picture in the LOG." He even backed up his claim with currency, but apparently somewhere along the line missed seeing one recent issue. Glen came into the SEAFARERS LOG office at SIU headquarters to check back in the files because—^in spite of what Owen said — he knew otherwise. He was right. The truth of the matter is that Owen, who be­ lieved he had es­ caped the LOG'S Glen extensive photo files, was pictured in the LOG as recently as April 15. 1955, just a few days after his ninth anniver­ sary of SIU membership. Glen adds that "you've got to read the LOG all the time or you are bound te miss something im­ portant to your paycheck." Owen now knows what he means. USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH. OA. Jose Alonze Jr. Jimmie Littleton Elmer Brewer Gerald Perdomo Otha BrightweU Janne F. Pierson Louis Farkas Leonard H. Shaw Rufus L. Field* H. C. Shedd John E. Floyd . Ernest H. Webb John Hartman USPHS HOSPITAL ' NEW ORLEANS. LA. Donald Alt Tinerman J. Lee Kenneth Mcintosh Merton Baxter Wm. P. Malcewlcz Claude F. Blanks Harold T. Brown C. J. Mitchell Victor BruneU Steve Modzelewskl J. L. Buckelew Mather Mullis John L. Caldwell C. R. Nicholson Lloyd T. Caliaway Alfonso Olaguibel B. A. Ratcliff Albert '1. Cooper Henry J. Robin Jr. Robert W. ElUott B. D. Foster Walter Smith David Franklin Henry S. Sosa Hubert R. Gaubert Andrew Stauder J. T. Gehringer Lonnie R. Tickle Gregory Troche ^ John C; George Gregory Villarreal Aurilio Gomez Leon J. Gordon Dirk Visser Eail L. Hodger James E. Ward Herman Kemp Edward Wilish E. G. Knapp David A. Wright Leo II. Lang Willie A. Young Pierre LcBIanc USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. L. Bosley Sverre Johannessen A. H.awrence Craig A, Stevenson ^j^^i)idfr Ppir44 »,.«.»...» NOT^ 85, 195S Coiiecto Third SIU Baby Cash ubout tlw sea - or have followed It as I havo for most of a quar­ ter century will realize that this condition in the seafaring indus­ To the Editor: The Welfare Plan it a won­ try has only been eased within derful thing for the seaman, ax the last 20 years or less. As late as 1941 and right into I have been finding out over and over again. I have just col­ the second war the wages of lected my third SIU maternity the average seaman were less benefit for the birth of my than $100 a month for as many daughter, Sonia Ivone, last hours as the master saw fit to work a man. Overtime was month. That means $600 in mater­ practically non-existent and, if nity benefits, plus three $25 a man asked about it, he was in­ bonds for the children, from timidated and generally fired on the Union Welfare Plan for some poor excuse before the trip had ended. ^ Nowadays, however, a man can look upon the seafaring pro­ fession with pride and with equality to the landlubber. In most instances, our profession pays more than a job ashore for the amount of hours worked, plus room and hoard. Offers Opportunity All letters to the editor for To the young man starling publication in the SEAFAR­ out in life today there is no ERS LOG must be signed by other profession that offers op­ the writer. Names tuill be portunities, education and ad­ withheld upon request. vancement in life so quickly that seafaring does. If he is which I have not paid one the studious type and desires penny. This is wonderful and advancement, he can become the is the best security for a' mar­ tops in his line within a short ried man with a growing family. ten years or less, according to Besides, our conditions are his liking. the best, and the wages are the All in all, I think I would highest in the industry. All of still pick the seafaring industry these things mean real security as a career if I had it to do over for all of us in the SIU, and again, as I for one love to travel the Welfare Plan is the best yet. and believe this holds true for Believe me, all Seafarers ap­ most people. preciate the help that the Wel­ Last hut not least is this: A fare Plan provides for us, be­ man does not have to be a col­ cause we kn'bvv that our bene­ lege graduate or even smart fits are like money in the bank. upon entering the merchant ma­ We know that when we need rine. Once "in." he can educate them, they are right there—easy himself and advance as far as to collect. he desires. Many thanks to our Union Shouldn't Run Off and to the brothers who have . Of course, I don't think it made all this possible. Wbuld be a good idea for all Miguel E. Diss young whippersnappers to pack SS Frances their bags and run away to join it 4- t the merchant marine. But if they desire adventure, self-edu­ cation that cannot be come by in schools, good pay and numer­ To the Editor: ous other opportunities, this is My brief booklet of a few the life for them. pages on the Immediate use of Today they will find the best certain colors for increasing working conditions, food and accident prevention aboard ship lodging in the American mer­ is no longer available. chant marine. I cannot bring I am grateful and indebted to to mind another profession members of the clergy, and to that offers so much for so little. the oificers and crews of our "SakI Jack" (John V. Dolan) United States-flag ocean-going, coastwise and inland waters ves­ 4 4 4 sels who follow the sea as their profession and who directly and indirectly suggested that the use of color in accident preven­ To the Editor: tion he made the business of all We the crew of the Seatiger hands. would like to inform all SIU My experience as a chief brothers of the" outstanding steward with certified sea serv­ seamen's club at Naha, Oki­ ice in all zones during World nawa. The food and drinks are War II and afterwards proved of the best, and the prices are invaluable in putting this idea very reasonable. The old Seatiger broke down across to my fellow seamen. Eugene A. De Rosier for two days while we were there, without lights or water, 4 4 4 so all the crewmemhers had their meals and drinks there. The place is strictly air-condi­ tioned and, with the hot weath­ To the Editor: For many years seafaring was er, it was a real break to have frowned upon as an unworthy our meals there. Miss Jane Gallagher and profession for an up and com­ ing young man. This deplorable Charles Stewart, who are situation was mainly brought known by almost all seamen about by the underhanded prac­ the world over, are in charge. They would like very much tices of the steamship compa­ nies, which used prison labor to to receive about 25 copies of each issue of the LOG, as there man their ships. The companies would have are quite a few SIU ships going convicts paroled to them for to Okinawa. It is a real pleas­ many years at a time and since ure to recommend this sea­ most of the men were treated men's club to them as it is one hardly as good as slaves until of the best anywhere. Truman Patriquin their paroles were up, most of Carey Carpenter them never lived to receive Loyd McGee their freedom. But this situa­ (Ed. note: A check is being tion lasted for centuries and kept many good and worthy made on your request as a bun­ men from taking to the sea for dle of LOGs is sent to this club a livelihood. —and to all USS clubs—regu­ Those who know ^ything larly.) letters To The Editor Safety Booklet Out Of Print Seatiger Hails Okinawa Club Sees Seafaring As Best Career �N*T. 25. 1955 Warrior Visit Spurs Reunion After 23 Yrs. Travel is broadening—ac­ cording to the tourist comeons—but for most Seafarers who do a lot of it this is certainly not the sole inducement. Some pass up ship after ship in the hope of catching one bound for the ancestral homeland, where the hope of see­ ing their family and friends o f years gone by draws them back like a magnet. Such was the case recently for two Seafarers on Lygnos the Warrior who, though shipping for many year^, never did catch that ship going back to their native land of Greece. For Nick Maduras and Nick Lygnos, both sailing in the galley gang on the Warrior, the last trip had extra special meaning. In Ma­ duras' case, it gave him the chance to get "home" and see his mother for the first time in 23 years. The youth who left Greece a long time ago returned as a man on a big iron ship "and was happier than he's been in years." Lygnos, in turn, went ashore in Piraeus and had a long-postponed reunion with his relatives there which he, too, had set his hopes on for a long time. M. B. Elliott, ship's reporter, in­ dicated that both men, proud mem­ bers of the SIU, were almost light­ headed, when they got back to the ship. But sailors are being senti­ mental guys ^nyway, so this came as no surprise to their shipmates. SEAFARERS Scorched Scalps Shine On Orion Star Shewn ashore before. starting Persian Gulf trip po the Orion Star are (I to r) Seafarers S t u p i n, DM; Kierna (rear), wiper; Bartlett, bosun, R o b e rsonr DM, and Binon, wiper. This was before the "shearing s~e a s o n" pic­ tured below set in. Both photos by Bill Stark. Shining brightly in the midday sun, some of the bald domes aboard the Orion Star gather on deck. Pictured (front, I. to r.) are Rollins, AB; Roberson, DM; Homen, AB; Bartlett, bosun; rear; Binoh, wiper; Lambert, DM; Westfall, OS; Fletcher, AB; Eubanks, oiler; Cassimis, MM. Roberson, Bart­ lett and Binon are also in photo above. Looking like a couple of critical passengers catering to an ulcer. Seafarers O. Moreland (left) and John Fabis give the menu on the Del Sol the onceover while J. Geissler awaits their pleasure. Burly "Good ship, good trip, good crew" is that happy combina­ tion in which 40-odd men, ten thousand tons of ship, several thousand miles of ocean, the calendar, the atmosphere and other factors all blend har-> moniously. the bosun and entire deck depart­ The blending is not always ment on board the above-named ideal, but when it is, is. as was the case on the McAlester Victory (Seas Shipping) recently, even the chief mate was moved to tell about it. His praise for the crew and the ship they brought home to port, echoed as well by Seafarers on the vessel, according to Anthony Barbaro, ship's dele­ gate, was set down in a signed commendation by James W. Jenkins, Barbaro chief officer. Its very existence is occasion enough for reprinting it in fuli, as any crewmember or delegate who has had to scrap with a mate for an hour's overtime will agree. The testimonial follows: "I wish to express my sincere thanks and utmost appreciation to Madakef ^Bounces^ Off Reef, Defies Science Among other things—many unmentionable—it can be said of ships that they steam, sail, slide, slip, plow, push, rock, run, rush and tear along. Only rubber balls and some types of females "bounce." But the SlU-manned Mada- Canal Zone, the following after­ ket has thrown aside caution noon. McAlester Mate Cheers SIU Crew Dei Soi Trio P9V«Tfc]rtecB lOG vessel. "I have never sailed with a bet­ ter crew since June 6, 1926. These men and their kind are an out­ standing credit to the organization with which they are affiliated, the SIU. "I have had the fullest coopera­ tion from the engine department, especially from the two elec­ tricians, when working ship's winches. "The steward and his entire de­ partment are tops, . The food, in my estimation, is the best that I have eaten on any ship. "Th» ship is clean and in A-1 condition in every respect, due to the interest and pride each de­ partment has taken in its respec­ tive responsibilities. "Congratulations and thanks again. I hope that some, if not all, will be with me on my next trip out." and scientific knowledge to the contrary. It recorded a "bounce" on the evening of October 22, 1955, during its misadventure in hitting the reefs or shoals off Montuoso Island, about a day's run north of Panama. Later, in drydock at San Juan, Puerto Rico, it was discovered that the ship had rips in 13 bottom plates and quite a few ribs, all on the port side of the hull almost on the keel. "There it also became appar­ ent," Seafarer Walter L. Buscb, ship's reporter, disclosed, "that Busch the Madaket must have 'bounced' when first hit amidship, as the rips did not ex­ tend the full length of the after part of the vessel and ended about 35-40 feet from the rudder." Sharp Blows At the time of the actual mishap, Busch related, a sharp blow was first felt on the port side amidship, followed by subsequent blows aft. They did not lessen the speed of the ship to any degree, while soundings determined that there were holes in several tanks, al­ though no water was being taken in the cargo holds. "Most of the crew was standing by ready to lend a hand where needed, but everything was under control," he said. Eventually, with the ship maintaining her regular speed, she arrived at Balboa, Photo Mix-Up Put To Rights A mix-up In tne last issue of the SEAFARERS LOG caused the picture of Seafarer James E. Collins, OS, to appear in the Ayala There a diver went over the side to determine the extent of the damage to the hull while the crew enjoyed an unexpected overnight stay in Balboa and Panama City. The ship then proceeded through the^Canal and on to San Juan, where repairs were made. No Panic "Ali in ali," Busch added, "the incident did not seem to disturb the peace of mind of the crew. There was no panic, mostly curios­ ity as to what we hit and what they could do to assist at the time. It was a good crew in typicai SIU style." Ship's delegate on the Madaket is A. Wheaton, who also reprer sents the deck department. R. Davis is engine delegate; E. Ter­ rell represents the galley gang. Tittle Things' Brighten Life Oh Jeff City Sitting tight in the frozen wastes of the North, where the "Eskimo Pie" is for real, the gang on the Jefferson City Vic­ tory discovered that everything thaws out after a while. "Out here at Sanderstorm Lake in the barren part of Northern Greenland, n o one is aliowed ashore by the Army and there isn't anything to go ashore for," Seafarer Jim Egan points out. "But our skip­ per, Captain James McGinn, Egan has shown him­ self to be a regular guy by twice contributing a couple of cases of beer to the boys below." Equal to the occasion, the chief cook and George Rubish cast a lipe over the side and "averaged a bite every three minutes for some kind of a record and for some of the finest fried cod anyone could eat. With the beer, it broke up the monotony of the run," he added. Collins place of that of Confesor Ayala, cook. Ayala was one of those questioned for the "Inquiring Seafai'er" column oh page 10 and somehow wound up with Collins' photo instead of his own. To set the record right, here are both of them in their true identities. They're A Little Short By Bernard Seaman �raf• rfviseem 't;>- •• .rf 11' SEAFARIEKS Nimet Expects Spears But Finds Ore Instead Seafarers who went in with the Ocean Nimet to the port of Kassa, French West Africa, had to look twice to make sure there weren't any spear-carrying natives to greet them—un­ til t]iey learned the lure off the place was that old familiar ship's reporter, relates, they "were living a life of mystery bauxite, the "daddy of alumi­ really After leaving Rotterdam the Nimet num.'" got orders to go to a West African Up until then, Robert N. Walton, Traveler's Dish port that ho one ^ had ever heard of before ... We expected spears in the stack this trip." Actually, Kassa, although not on many maps, is going to be a familiar name to Walton a lot of Seafarers before long, because there Is al­ ready a steady run of ships in there to take the unrefined ore to mills in Canada. Kassa is an island off the coast at Conakry—which is on the niap—about midway between Dakar to the north and Monrovia, Liberia, further south. Art Show The crew, incidentally, picked up some "culture" that trip be­ cause the radio operator, an art fancier, bought about two dozen oil paintings while in Holland and passed the time showing off his discoveries. None of the "critics" aboard were willing to be quoted, however. illiliiiiilii V Admiring his latest catch with rod and reel, Seafarer "Blaclcie" King on the Steel Traveler seems to be think­ ing what it will look like stretched out on a garnish­ ed fish platter. : LOG-A-RHYTHM: The 'Live One' Submitted By C. E. Wallick The birds of prey come swooping down When his ship comes steaming by. The reception committee's tremendous Never saw such a popular guy. 1^- A bunch of beachcombers are lying in wait As he leaves midships with his pay, A couple of the girls are at the dock To make sure he doesn't get away. Payday night as he leans against the bar And boasts of the feats he's done— How he socked the skipper on the chin And put the chief mate on the run. The bartender listens with tender eyes And "yesses" him frequently The barroom bums all nod their heads 'Cause the drinks are coming free. You may think this poem a lot of bunk And the moral much too strong, But this is the slogan on the beach— "The live one is never wrong." Editor, SEAFARERS LQG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32, NY I would tike to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—please put my name on your mailing list. (Print Information) NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY ......ZONE STATE ...... Signed TO AVOID DUPLICATIONJ If you are an aid lubtcribar and have e ehenga ef addrait, plaata give your former addrasi balowt ADDRESS . jpinr To the Editor: On the question of receiving the SEAFARERS LOG in for­ eign ports, I must say that the service we have been getting has been satisfactory. On the Robin Line runs going to African ports, the agent gen­ erally brings the mail aboard, and each department delegate gets his copieis. There is a bar in Laurenco Marques which caters to SIU letters To The Editor AH letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names will be withheld upon request. men and if a dozen or so copies could be sent there, they would certainly be appreciated. It is a regular meeting place for Ro­ bin Line men. Copies can be sent to Palace Hotel, Laurenco Marques, Portuguese East Af­ rica. Another place up the coast is Dar-es-Salaam, which has the Hotel Splendid; Mombasa has the Anchor Bar, at Malindi Road. Both these ports are in British East Africa. I know these spots very well, having been to them many, many times in the past ten years and, in fact, know alLthe regular hangouts up and down the coast. J know these people would be only too pleased to be able to have the LOG for dis­ tribution to seamen who happen to be in port. The African run often means you are four months away from the States, and we are always glad to be able to get the latest news of what's happening back home. James F. Byrne t. Next day he's broke and wanders about Just a big down hearted guy. For dll his friends of the night before Now give him the glassy eye. (SK Finds Service On LOGS Okay (Ed. note: The Palace Hotel already receives LOGs, and the others will receive future mail­ ings.) The floozies all give him a great big hand He's surrounded by blushing brides. He doesn't know what attracts them so That it's merely the dough in his strides. .STATI . MSSSMSSfSMtJi Passenger Hails Iberville Trip To the Editor: It was our good fortune re­ cently to take a short cruise on the SS Iberville, a Waterman Steamship Company freighter. This was a most pleasant ex­ perience because we were treat­ ed so royally. We found the food < and the food service of particular high quality. I speak of this partic­ ularly because, in the first place, I consumed large quan­ tities of the food and, secondly, I saw it prepared, the way it was stored and was very much pleased as a result. F. L. Jennings, MD t" t> S5, 1955 LOG $• Member Hails Welfare Assist To the Editor: I hope you will print these few lines in order for me to thank all the many wonderful friends who offered to do any­ thing they could to help during my wife's recent Illness. My gratitude also goes to everyone at the SIU hall in Mo­ bile, to the men who volun­ teered to provide my wife with three pints of blood and to SIU p a t r ol m a n Harold Fischer, whose quick response when 1 called for help was so fast that it was amazing. I'm glad I belong to such wonderful Union. I wish to thank the SIU Welfare Plan for paying my benefits so promptly, and for the great saving and services it means to all of us. My wife is back at home now, and she's also very happy that .1 belong to the' SIU because she's seen the wonderful serv­ ice that it gives its members. Now she appreciates the Union even more than before-r-if , that's possible. John R. Roberts 4 4 4 SIU Man Finds Pals In Korea To the Editor: I have just about completed a 16-month tour of duty here and expect to be on the next drop leaving Korea. It's been a long grind, but I finally made it. If some of my old shipmates have been wondering why they haven't seen me around Inchon lately, it's because the Army fig­ ured I was having too easy a life in a harborcraft outfit. They shanghaied me to a line outfit in the 24th Infantry Division about three months ago. I sure hated to trade in my LCU for an Ml rifle, and really miss those beer parties at the Inchon Seaman's Club with the boys. I would like to take time here to thank the SIU members involved for their generosity, because there would have been many a beerless night for me without them, with these Army wages. Met Many SIU Men I also believe that by being stationed on the waterfront in Pusan and Inchon I got to meet and know a lot more SIU men than I would have if I had been shipping for this length of time. It seems that those magic words "I'm an SIU bookman", are a passport to friendship, no matter where you are or what uniform you're wearing. Other unlucky members who get drafted and will be coming over here would do well to drop down to the waterfront and look " around from time to time. They'll find a lot of their old buddies and, if they happen to spot a red-headed seaman with a head like a beer-can, come on over and I'll buy you a beer. After a little rest at home, I Intend to head back to New York and dust off my old SIU book. See you then. PFC Herman F. IVebber 4 4 4 Lauds Service In New Orleans To the Editor: My family and I want to thank the SIU port agent in New Orleans, for his help and sym­ pathy on the occasion of my husband's sickness and death. It was indeed good of him to come himself to bring the muchappreciated SIU death benefit check and to offer his and the Union's help and service in any of our future needs. Mrs. John Eric Kane 4 4 4 us. You can never know what courage they gave us each time we heard from them. We were thrilled to hear our son's voice when he reached New York. It is amazing to find him recovering so speedily only five weeks since his accident. It proves the good care he re­ ceived from everyone concerned. We are praying that he will con­ tinue to gain and be his old self again. We also hope to have the op­ portunity of meeting you all some day and thanking you per­ sonally. You can rest assured that you are welcome in our home anytime. May God bless and keep you and yours in good he^alth always. Mr. and Mrs. McKenven Walpole, NH 4 4 4 He Appreciates Royal Oak Aid To the Editor: I wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to my brother crewmembers of the Royal Oak on behalf of my family and myself. Their re-. membrance at the time of my father's death on November 7 was very kind. At the time that I received the bad news the ship was pre­ paring to sail and what was remarkable was the prompt action undertaken by my fellow brothers in expressing their sympathy. M. "Ollle" Olson Asks SIU wives' Beauty Contest To the Editor: I was wondering if w'e wives of the seamen couldn't have a V beauty contest for seamen's wives. , The girls could send their pictures into the LOG, where they could be printed from time .rfo time, and then we could have a contest for a "Mrs. Seamen's Wife" or something similar. ^ Something like this would be most interesting and I am sure the men as well as the women would like it very much. Mrs. Forrest 4 4 4 Both Legs Gonog He Doesn't Worry To the Editor: I would like the officers and the brother members of the SIU to know how much I ap­ preciate all the wonderful things that have come to me because I was lucky enough to join the SIU. I have lost both my legs but I have not a worry in the world. The SIU Welfare Serv­ ices Department sees to that. I only wish I were more able to say what is actually in my heart. But since I'm just a dumb sailor, I will say "Thank you, everyone in the SIU." Jimmy Hamilton 4 4 4 Thanks SIU For Holp In Hospital I wish to express my sincerest thanks to the SIU and to the SIU Welfare Plan for their help and cooperation dunng my re­ To the Editor: cent hospitalization. Their We the McKenven family wish financial aid in time of need to extend our thanks to the SIU will always be very much ap­ Welfare Services Department, preciated. for their great interest and kind­ I wish to thank you once ness to us and to .our son again and wish, the best of luck Narcisse. for the continuation of the wel­ We felt so helpless and in­ fare Plan and the progress of capable of doing anything for the SIU. him at the time when he needed' -' - • I 'Mrs. Eladio Torres SIU Welfare Aid Applauded �SEAPARERiS toe NOT. 2S,.|955 ILIZABiTH (Bull LInat), Octebar B—Chairman, J.' Murphy; Bacratary. .a. Valllnaa. To ace patrolman about setting rid of .lockera and getting new onea. Motion made and cajried to accept and concur with communicatlona from headquarters. Daymen to Inform ail foc'sies before dumping garbage or washing decks, ao that porta can be closed. and concur with communications from headquarters. Ship's deiagata alacted. AMPAC CALIFORNIA (TransOceanic), October 7—Chairmen, V, Wertleld; Secretary, O. Ergle. Radio­ gram sent to headquarters to have patrolman present at payoff. New ship's delegate elected. No beefs. Chief cook missed ship in Port Arthur. Texas. Vote of thanks to steward de­ HEYWOOD BROUN (Victory Car. partment. Crew voted to donate to riars), October •—Chairman, C. Hllship's fund at payoff. To get ship's drath; Secretary, W. Thompson. There library. will be no shdre leave in San Pedro, October 14—Chairman, R. Yeutxy; ahlp taking bunkers only. Captain in­ Secretary, A. Kaval. Washing machine formed steward about getting fresh needs repairs badly. Ship's fund. milk and other stores. To have clap­ $17.15. No beefs. Motion made and per valves repaired. Men are to sign, carried to accept and concur with for cots issued to them. All watches oommunications from headquarters. have agreed to keep messroom and Motion made and carried that dele­ gates send letter to headquarters dishes clean. about shipboard conditions. Beef about MARIE HAMILL (Bloomflald), Sep­ food. tember 2*—Chairman. D. Ikart; SacATLANTIC WATER (Metro). Octo­ ber 23—Chairman. E. Smith; Secre­ tary, D. Stone. Repair list turned in. No beefs. Another brand of soap pow­ der required aboard, ship. Larger .sheets and bath towels needed. Vote of thanks to steward department. It was suggested that company furnish captain with enough American money or travelers checks. ratary, C. Berg. To request draw from captain in San Pedro when refueling. Ship's secretary-reporter elected. Dis­ cussion held on water pressure in showers. Vote of thanks to new stew­ ard for improvements in menus since last voyage. ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), Septem­ ber 18—Chairman, D. Glass; Secretary, O. Guerrero. Radio officer promised cooperation. Motion made and car­ ried to accept and concur with com­ munications from headquarters. Sbip'e delegate elected. Trash not to be emptied on port or starboard side aft of midship house. Steward agrees that all meats possible wiU be served. ALCOA POINTER (Alcoa), Septem­ ber 7—Chairman, L. Bruce; Secretary, E. OeBautte. Delayed sailing in San Juan. Two men missed ship in New York! Recent communications from headquarters accepted and concurred. Discussion held on welfare benefits. ALCOA POLARIS (Alcoa), Septem­ ber 2S—Chairman, R. Schwan; Sec­ retary, J. Hannon. Snake was found in engine room and it struck oiler as he walked by. (^mmunlcations from headquarters read and accepted. Mo­ tion made and carried to And out why aide can be chipped and not finish Job after it is started. List of crewmembers to be kept at all times. KYSKA (Waterman), September 14 —Chairman. W. Walker; Secretary, W.' Simpson. Motion made and car­ ried to have arrival pool. Captain sends his appreciation for coopera­ tion of delegates in small beefs. It :was moved and seconded that depart^ment delegates hold conference with patrolman before any business is con­ ducted. SHINNECOCK BAY aankship). Sep­ tember 22—Chairman, M. MIkkelsen; ; Secretary, J. Paisley. It was reported ;that someone is carrying tales top­ side. Chief engineer badly injured and \vas removed from ship by plane. One man unable to work because of broken arm caused when he slipped on deck. Motion made and carried that ship's committee draw up full report on unsafe conditions. Two weeks with 20 degree U6t. ' SrfeEL FABRICATOR (Isthmian), September It—Chairman, P. Blalack; Secretary, S. Brent. Report included on accident in Madras. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communications from headquarters. Department delegates to submit re­ pair lists. Suggest that steward ob­ tain new type of water pitchers and sugar bowls. Crew to take care of newly-painted chairs in messhall. STONY CREEK (American Tramp Shipg. Dev.), October 5—Chairman, K. Goldman; Secretary, E. Rilauser. Crew requests that patrcdman from head­ quarters be available upon arrival regardless of time because of limited time in port for discharge of cargo. Ship's delegate to «ee captain about refinishing benches for spare table in messhall. - DUKE VICTORY (Bull Lines), Octo­ ber 2—Chairman, T. Horan; Secre­ tary, none. Second electrician missed ahip in Leghorn, Italy, most of his clothes were put ashore. Motion made and carried that when ship is to be taken out of boneyard have a few men aboard at least once a week in order that sotes and other essen­ tials may be put aboard befar.-: i-eyage begins. Beef between AB. 2d Mate, and Jr. 3rd settled by ship's delegate. CHESTER HARDING (Construction Aggregates), October 23—Chairman, W. Horns; Secretary, A. Shrlmpton. Small amount of diluted overtime will be settled at payoff. Membership concurred unanimously on action taken by ITF. Motion made and car­ ried that delegates be transferred every three months. Vote of thanks given outgoing delegates. Report given by steward regarding cigarettes, and it was suggested that remaining cig­ arettes be shared Letter to be writ­ ten concerning inability of company to provide badly-needed fans CITY OF ALMA (Waterman), Octo­ ber •—Chairman, L. Pepper; Secre­ tary, G. Bales. No beefs. Repairs to be taken care of in ne.xt port. Vote of tbanks to steward department for good feeding. COE VICTORY (Victory Carriers), October 12—Chairman, E. Anderson; Secretary, D. Sacher. One man missed ship in New York. No beefs. DEL ALBA (Delta Line), October « —Chairman, G. Hancock; Secretary, W. Gelt. Ship's delegate elected. Ship's fund, $30.43. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communications from headquarters. DEL RIO (Mississippi), October 23— Chairman, D. Kamsey; Secretary, M, Casscnum. No beefs, everything run­ ning smoothly. Motion made and car­ ried to accept and concur with com­ munications from headquarters. It was suggested that patrolman be con­ tacted regarding having galley stove plates repaired. ELIZABETH (Bull), October SO— Chairman, J. Murphy; Secretary, R. Velllnga. Everything okay. Library put aboard. Request a twenty-five cent donation from erewmembers for American Seaman's Friend Society who put library atmard. No beefs. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with headquarters com­ munications. More fresh fruit needed aboard. FLOMAR (Calmar), September 19— Chairman, R. Barren; Secretary, H. Reynolds. Communications from head­ quarters read and posted. Crewmembers to keep washing machine and laundry clean. FORT HOSKINS (Cities Service), October 24—Chairman, J. Portway; Secretary, C. Lanier, Nq beefs. Motion made and carried to accept and con­ cur with communications from head­ quarters. Rooms to be painted out. Chief Engineer to take care of rusty wash water. MAIDEN CREEK (Waterman), Octo­ ber 17—Chairman, A. WIddle; Secre­ tary, L. Wing. One man missed ship. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communications from headquarters. Discussion held on wage scale of SUP. Steering gear fouled up.. Vote of thanks to steward department. MARGARET BROWN (Bloomflald) October 9—Chalrmsn, .V.. Sanchet; Secretary, M. Anderson. Ship's dele­ gate elected. Ship's secretary-reporter elected. No beefs. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communications from headquarters. OCEAN DINNY (Maritime Overseas), October 23—Chairman, A. Dumas; Secretary, H. RIngo. No beefs.'" some disputed overtime. Motion made and carried to accept and concur •with communications from headquarters. Delegates to prepare a repair list for all departments. Personal beefs to be taken up with delegate; delegate will refer them to patrolman. OCEAN JOYCE (Ocean Transporta­ tion), October 9—^^Chalrman, R. Stough; Secretary, R. Hernandez. Pantry and some foc'sies to Ite painted. Discus­ sion to be held on new SUP agree­ ment after it is posted. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communication from headquarters. Some question about delayed sailing. OCEANSTAR (Triton), October 22— Chairman, C. Diaz; Secretary, C. Diaz. Repair list will be taken care of. Mo­ tion made and carried to read, accept and concur with communications from headquarters. Motion made and car­ ried to have galley range repaired before ship sails. Vote of thanks to steward department. ALCOA CLIPPER (Alcoa), October 23—Chairman, L. Nicholas; Secretary, F.. Btoppirt. No beefs, everything in order. Balance of ship's fund is $75.00. Motion made and carried .to accept and concur with communications from headquarters. Union brother thanks membership for flowers that were • OREMAR (Ore), October 9—Chair­ sent to his mother. man, H. Lurn; Secretary, V. Yates. New ship's delegate elected. Ship's ALCOA PEGA6US (Alcoa), October treasury contains $9. Recent com­ 9—Chairman, G. Flnkles; Secretary, L. munication from headquarters ac­ Phillips. Ship's fund, $42.33. No beefs. cepted unanimously as read. Everyone Motion made, and - carried to accept aboard this vessel Is happy. ' Money Due The following Seafarers have ret­ roactive wages due them from At­ lantic Carriers, Inc. They should call at or write to the company office at 29 Broadway, New York 4. NY. John C Edgar Anderson, Vasco M. Barros, WUliam Bellgraph, Donald, BUlings, Juan BUly. Daniel Bissett, Carl N. Bolton, Ar­ thur Brown. .Charles Brown, Hunter Brown. Gaetano Busciglio, Francisco Carabbacan. Warren W. Currier, Simon Czeslowski, Roscoe Dearmon, Oswaldo Delgado. Fredi erick DeMuth, Lawrence Devenny. WUJard Erwin, Clifford D. Eubanks. Roy H. Fithen, Henry Fossett, Dan Frazier, Jr., Clarence Fritz. Barney Good­ man, E3adio Grajales, Vincent Gregorio, James Guston, Jr., Britton HaU, Joseph Harmanson. Vernon G. Harris, Alfred Isaacson, Charles Kempczynski, Ah Lee King, Weldon Kitchens, Walter Kucbta, Joseph Landry, Arne Larson, Harry Lewis, Sam­ uel Martin. Michel Meguissoglou, WiUlam C. MUler, Archie Milne, Donald Moore, Ralph T. Moore, Earl McCaskey, James McLinden, Daniel Palmatory, Paul W. Persson, George Porter. James Porter, Richard Price, Paul Richards, Bernard Romanoff, Robert O. Smith, John Steiner, William D. Stewart, Stccial Sullivan, James Thomas, Joseph Trawick. Pete Triantafillos, Charles W. White, Joseph R. Wing, Charles WitseU, William O. York, John E. Ziegler. Liberty Flag Edwin A. Ainsworth, Morlo Alto, James E. Ashley, James C. Battle, Arvel M. Binion. Alphus E. Blocker, Frank A. Bol­ ton, Robert G. Bruce, Herman Carson, Raymond Davis. loannis Demitreadisq, John V. Dolan, Charles, Doroba, Robert M. Draper, Ber­ nard Favlla, George C. Glennon, John Kackur, Neal T. Keougb, Donald M. King, King Sea Koo. Lee F. Kurtz, Joseph A. Long, Robert J. Lyons, John McDonough, Daniel T. McGovern, Eric Malmstrom, George P. Marcotte, Leonard J. Martin, Americo Medeiros, Ralph Moisant. Calvin Moose, John H. Morris, Mihai Nicodin, Dennis Pierce, Stylianos Pissias, N. Burton Potts, Austin D. Pretlow, Ron­ ald J. Ramsperger, Joseph H. Roberts. Mager Robinson. Casimir Sanuitl. Leroy E. Schmidt, Wil­ liam V. Shaffer, Charles J. Sincere, Ray­ mond C. Sinor, Leland B. Sipe, Harold T. Splcer, George J. Vesages, Guy Whitehurst, George Williams. Glenn N. Williams, John Zeniths, Liberty BeU Rex Abshire, Lon R. Acton, James R. Andolsek, Elmer J. Andre, Jr., Eugene Beverley, Leo Brussard, SHephen Burskey, DarreU Chafin, George M. Craggs, Yulee H. Crews. Warren W. Currier, Charles Devales, William A. Deiappe, Michael F. Dellano. Phillip Da Minico, Marcos Drossos, Elmer L. EdwaKls, Yue Kung Fah, Charlie A. Gedra, Perry Greenwood. Lester J. Haag, Harlan K. HaU, Robert J. Heilig, Leonard E. Hodges, Francisk Jennings, Okal Jones, Frahcis W. Keeley, Raiph Kilbourne, Donald M. King, Her­ bert W. Lamm. Rufino Lara, Pao C^ing Lee, Audrey M. Lester, Richard J. Lichtehauer, An­ tonio Lipari, Francis A. Lord, Jr., Wil­ liam L. McBride, John W. Mackall, JuUan Z. Markham, Edmund H. Marsh. Edward H. Murar. Richard V. Palmer, Owen Podkosoff, Heath Pressley, Salvador Resquites, Thomas C. RUey. Gerald R. Schartel, Ernest SemmerS, Frank P. Shaw, Frederick Smith. Harry J. .States, Boyd E. Thompson, Richard L. Welch, Charles H. WUliams, John T. Woodman. Paul ZanberUn. Lam­ bert Zecgers. Recent Arrivals All of the following SIU families will collect the $200 maternity benefit plus a $25 bond from the Union in the baby's name: Ruth Babb, boi»i February 13, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otho Babb, Brooklyn, NY. 4 4 4 44 4 Karen Ilene Mignano, born Oc­ tober 17, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Mignano, Brook­ lyn, NY. Maritza Ortiz, born October 5, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Humberto Ortiz, Brooklyn, NY. 4 4-4 Sonia Ivone Diaz, born October 17, 1955. Parents, Mr! and Mrs. Miguel E. Diaz, Puerto Real, PR. 4 4 4> ' Fiftcoa $5 Million Paid Out In VaiKition $ (Continued from page 3) twice. It went to $176 in October, 1954. The second increase to $244 came as the result of the Union's negotiation of a 25 cents per day boost in shipowner contributions to the fund. The five-millionth dollar was in­ cluded in Cobb's cheek for $40.44 which represented a pro-rated pay­ ment, less tax deductions, under the old $176 annual benefit. The Seafarers Plan allows a man to col­ lect every time he has 90 days' em­ ployment on an SIU ship, so that a Seafarer does not have to wait a full year between vacation pay­ ments. Quick Cash Source The 90-day feature has been one of the most popular aspects of the Plan with Seafarers as well as the speed with which payments are made. For Seafarers the Plan serves as a (juick source of ready cash when they need it the most. To Cobb, receipt of the check was routine, but naturally he was pleased that the payment to him should be a symbol of the Union's progress. It covered his employ­ ment aboard the Del Mar (Missis­ sippi) as chief pantryman and came, fittingly enough, as he was planning a brief stay on the beach before shipping out again. Prefers Vacation Plan "I've been a member of the SIU for 14 years," he said, "and I'm like the rest of the old-timers. Nobody has to tell us that we have a won­ derful Union. The new raise in vacation pay we just negotiated is another example of how the SIU is always fighting to protect and advance the welfare of the mem­ bership. "As far as I'm concerned an in­ crease in vacation money means a lot more to the regular seaman than the supplementary unemploy­ ment insurance the NMU is strug­ gling with. Under our plan, every­ body benefits, while the NMU sys­ tem will benefit only a few guys." SIU, A&G District BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Earl Sheppard, Agent EAstern 7-49()U BOSTON James Sheehan, Agent 276 Stale St. Richmond 2-0140 HOUSTON 4202 Canal St C. TannehiU, Acting Agent Capital 7-6558 LAKE CHARLES, La 14X9 Ryan St Leroy Clarke, Agent HEralock 6-5744 MOBILE I South Lawrence St Cal Tanner, Agent HEmlock ^-1754 NEW ORLEANS .. 523 Bienville St Llndsey Williams Agent Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK .. 675 4th Ave.. Brooklyn HYaclnth 9-6600 NORFOLK 127 129 Bank St. Ben Rees. Agent MAdlson 2-9834 PHILADELPHIA 337 Ma/ket St. S. Cardullo Agent .Market 7-1635 PUERTA de TIERRA PR Pelayo 51—La ? Sal Colls, Agent Phone 2-599(f .SAN FRAN(;iSCO 450 Harrison St Leon Johnson, Agent Douglas 2-5475 Marly Breithoff, West Coast Representative SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St E. B. McAuley, Acting Agent Phone 3-1728 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Jeff Gillette, Agent Elliott 4334 TAMPA . 1809 18II N Franklin St. Tom Banning, Agent Phone 2-1323 WILMINGTON. Calif 505 Marine Ave. Ernest TlUey, Agent Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS 675 4th Ave. Bklyn SECRErAR V -TREASU RER Paul Hall ASST SECRETARY-TREASURERS J. Alglna, Deck C. Simmons. Joint J. Volplan, Eng. W. Hall, Joint E. Mooney. Std. R. Matthews, Joint SUP HONOLULU William Rivera, born October 24, PORTLAND 1955. • Parents, Mr. and Airs. Alpbonso Rivera, Brooklyn, NY. , IU(;UMOND, sl6 Merchant St. Phone 5-6777 211 SW Clay St. CApltal 3-433^ CAUr,...'. 297 5tb St Phone 2599 Ben G. Ladd Contact your wife. t t 4 Cleveland Famham The SEAFARERS LOG office is holding a letter for you. Edwin Donimer Dennis Har.cock Contact William E. Burke, for­ merly of US Army, at 24l4 Dwight Way, Berkeley 4, Calif. 4» 4" t t 4. 4. 4" 4» 4> 4> 4' 4> 4" 4 4" 4 4. 4 ' 4 4 4 Nicola Richie Very urgent you call TA 3-4630 in New York City at the earliest possible opportunity. • Loncyzski, AB Joe Caruso. AB Photographs left aboard the City of Alma are being held for you at the SEAFARERS LOG office. Bobby Byrd Get in touch with Rolf Pcttersen aboard the SS Bienville, c/o Water­ man Steamship Company, Mobile, Ala. W. p. Jackson The SEAFARERS LOG has • letter for you from Marius Hansome. SI Beringo Gor.zales Contact Bernard Sacks, 820 Lewis Tower Building, Philadel­ phia 2, Pa. Willis W. Wright Urgent that you contact your family in Bremerton, Washington. Call if possible. X 4 4 4 Clifford Anderson Please contact the office «f Da­ vid M. Hass in Philadelphia. William Higgins - Get in touch with Ferdinand D'Esopo, 33 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, Conn. Notices Jim Lippincott Please contact Secretary-Treas­ urer Paul Hall immediately. Ur­ gent. e» SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE .• WILMINGTON NEW YORK 450 Harrison St. Douglas 2-8363 2505 1st Ave. Main 0290 . 505 Marine Ave. Terminal 4-3131 675 4th Ave, Brooklyn HYaclnth 9-6600 Canadian District HALIFAX N.S 128>.5 Hollls St. Phone 3-8911 634 St James St. West PLateaU 8161 FORI WILLIAM I1BV5 Syndicate Ave. Ontario Phone; 3-3221 PORT COLBORNE ... 103 Durliam St. Ontario Phone: 5591 TORONTO. Ontario 272 King St. E. EMoirc 4-5719 VICTORIA BC 6I7V4 Cormorant St. Empire 4531 VANCOUVER BC.. 293 Main St. Pacific 7824 SYDNEY NS .. 304 Charlotte St. Phone 6348 BAGOTVILI.E Quebec 20 Elgin St. Phone: 545 THOROLD Ontario 52 St. Davids St. CAnal 7-3202 QUEBEC 113 Cote De La Montague Quebec Phone: 2-7078 SAINT JOHN 177 Prince William St. NB Phone: 2-5232 MONTREAL Great Lakes District ALPEJIA 133 W Fletcher Phone: 12:58W BUFFALO. NY 180 Main St. • Phone; Main 1-0147 CLEVELAND '. .. 7.34 Lakeside Ave.. NE • ^ Phone: Cleveland 7391 DETROIT 1038 3rd St. Headquarters Phone: Woodwai-d 1-6837 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Phone- Melrose 2-4110 SOUTH CHICAGO 3261 E. 93nd St Phone; Essex 5-241P 1 •*—r«! - �ci' Ur- SEAFARERS LOG yOFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS i NTE R N ATI O N At U N I O N • AT IA N TI C A N D G U IF D I S TR I C T > AFi • Bienville Crewmen Honored Bj Holiday In Japanese lity ^ By Seafarer William Calefato Who said going to sea was not sometimes adventurous? Well, when the SS Bienville, Waterman freighter on the Far East run, anchored off the tiny Japanese island of Shikoku to deliver several tons of phosphate, the experiences of the crew and officers proved that sailing can provide a whale of a time. — For one thing, the Bienville not bo invited. But the seamen was the first American ship to disappointed. They l;i ' 11-^ stop at Sakaide, the town on the eastern shore of the island, 300 miles SW of Yokohama, in more than five years, so the mayor with a retinue of girls and bouquets of flowers, boarded the ship to greet The gentle giggle is inter­ national language, Cale­ fato reports, as these shy "girlsans" react to camera. the captain. The formal welcome was climaxed by his honor's invita­ tion to the skipper to go ashore with him as a guest of great dis­ tinction. The local newspaper wrote up the rare occasion and also included pictures. It was an unofficial holiday for the citizens of the city and we were the guests of honor. It was nice of the mayor, the people's representative, to honor the captain, the crew's old man, and sad that the whole crew could simply went ashore ^d made invitations of their own. Despite the fact that the island Since automobiles are no problem, the main street of Sakaide dispenses with sidewalks. is mostly agricultural, imbued with Bicycles and pedestrians share the road and get along well—^no traffic accident toll rare pastoral conservativeness, men here. who have been at sea for a long time have uncanny ways of amus­ ing themselves, and in this case amuse the natives too. Crew Attraction The great attraction for the people of Sakaide was not so much the ship, even for its rare pres­ ence, but for the strange conglom­ eration of individuals with all sorts of fine dress and western manners who held the townsfolk so agape with wonder that even men like DMs McMullen and Sam Lamb were surprised. Mac claims that a small girl "stopped dead in her tracks," looked at him and Sapi openmouthed and backed away. It was not because Mac is that ugly but he has unusually large blue eyes with a penetrating expression. Sam There were no port facilities in the tiny town so the SS Bienville discharged its phos­ has blond hair so the girl probably phate into barges while anchored offshore. Photo was taken from launch which crew mistook them to be disciples of the utilized for shore leave. devil because the Japanese think the devil has blue eyes and red hair. The combination of the men's bar" and said "he forgot where the ocean, and everybody bowed. Even gesture of bowing has faded by features, so suddenly noticed, must ship was." So the son of the bar Willie. Soon after, the Papsan was the influx of western atmosphere have created an optical illusion for owner rode John on the handlebars walking beside Willie, pushing his in bigger cities, but it is done pro­ of his bike all the way to the dock bicycle (how extremely polite that fusely in Sakaide where all the old her. She seemed relieved after seeing which the liberty launqh used. And really was) and many blocks later, Japanese customs are still preva­ Sam's hair was not red. If it was almost the same happened to the boysan followed on his bicycle. lent. With gesture,' he asked Willie if Quaint, beautiful little Sakaide and she felt convinced tlie seamen Willie the wiper. Willie wandered so far^to the he could ride a bike. Willie assured must have been like some of the were devils, ' reliable Japanese sources say a commotion would darkness of some streets until he him that he could not. Not even places ,that adventurers of yore reached roads that led to rice skates or a tricycle. Only tankers like Magellan or Marco Polo saw have been stirred. paddies and a few houses. Tired and freighters. for the first time and surely our Volunteer' Guides Japanese priests would have and worried, he hailed an aged So everybody walked, the natives modem seafarers. who go places come out ringing bells and per­ bicyclist who spoke only Japanese pushing their vehicles as if to they have never seen before, have forming all kinds of religious and understood no English, not avoid offending Willie. After a few a similar reaction. It may be only hours, he recognized a light and latent in some seamen, but it is rituals to scare away the spirit. even Brooklynese. Dinner Invitation explained he was not lost any still- there. Luckily, nobody iu the crew has Many SIU ships have stopped at red hair and, by the way_£roups Promptly, Willie drew pictures more, then he offered a thousand of children followed the seamen of a ship and just as promptly the yen for their trouble. No. So strange places due to damage or all over town to watch everything old man invited him to his house. Willie tried two thousand. No. on special runs, biA for the Bien­ ville men it Was different. They they did, the short pause of the Being a very poor artist, the picture Three thousand. Still No. They did not"'want money. All were not always sure wherth they Bienville gave the town a festive must have looked like a bowl of atmosphere. The people even sac­ rice instead of a ship, so the mam- that was necessary was a hearty were going. After leaving Inchon, Pusan, rificed much of their time to help san provided victuals. But Willie handshake. Kobe and Yokohama, they were Old Customs Live lost crewmembers who forgot made signs he was not hungry. It was things like that that the uncertain as to what shore leave where the ship was, as John the Just lost. When a boysan came on the Bienville crew experienced. Every would be like in the next port, just wiper related. He got a "little tanked up at a scene to offer help, the jnamtan place they went, school children a small Japanese* island, but it was and papsan understood Willie's peered at them, watched them the most interesting part of the pantomime of a ship sailing on a through windows of stores. The Tranquil oriental scene (above) unmarred by tourist traps was typical Sakaide vista. At left, Seafarer Sani Lamb, DM, tries with moderate success tq get shy local youngsters to pose with him. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 25, 1955 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XVII, No. 24 Description An account of the resource Headlines: MTD OPENS CONVENTION; MERGER, DOCKS ON AGENDA BRIDGES BID FOR FOOTHOLD IN ILA MAGNUSON SEEKS US ORE CARRIERS AFL SET TO MERGE, HOLDS LAST MEETING MAW WINS ELECTION ON BLUE STACK SIU VACATION PAY TO SEAFARERS TOPS $5,000,000 MARK BENEFITS BIG ASSIST FOR B'KLYN SEAFARER SEAFARER'S SON MAKES RING GRADE ITF FAR EAST OFFICE OPENED CONGRESS TO PROBE REVIVAL OF TRANSFERS TO 'RUNAWAY' FLAGS CO'S ANTI-SIU FRAUD UP TO CANADA COURT STEEL ADMIRAL CREW CITED SEE ATOMIC TANKER BY 1959, MAYBE SIU HALLS ENTERTAIN THANKSGIVING DINERS JOB DELUGE FLOODS HALL IN SEATTLE RELIEF JOBS KEEP MOBILE AFLOAT TRADE GROUPS BOOST '50-50' SEAFARERS SAVE FLIERS, FOIL SHARKS AFL LEADERS TOBIN, DURKIN DIE IN WEEK BRIDGES-ILA TIE-UP REVEALED AS 'EXPERTS' MOVE IN ON NY THE BACKGROUND OF A BRIDGES-CP 'TEAM' SIU-MANNED TUG RESCUES RADAR ISLAND STANDEES SF STIRS FROM ITS DOLDRUMS NEW YORK EXPECTS HOLIDAY JOB BOOST LAKE CHAS. GETS NEW CEMENT CO. PIX IN LOG COSTS HIM! OPENS YOKOHAMA'S 'MANHATTAN BAR' BUT STILL PINES FOR NY WARRIOR VISIT SPURS REUNION AFTER 23 YRS. MADAKET 'BOUNCES' OFF REEF, DEFIES SCIENCE 'LITTLE THINGS' BRIGHTEN LIFE ON JEFF CITY MCALESTER MATE CHEERS SIU CREW NIMET EXPECTS SPEARS BUT FINDS ORE INSTEAD BIENVILLE CREWMEN HONORED BY HOLIDAY IN JAPANESE CITY Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/25/1955 1955 Periodicals Seafarers Log