http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/84af30bda81e8d667c61750cbbba4125.PDF 7a96822ec233ea2a19dcaf4faa59e5a3 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS AWARDKD riRST PRIZE • GENERAL EDITORJAt EXCELLENCE • 19M • LOG INTERNATIONAL LABOR PRESE OP AMERICA \ • OFFICIAL ORGAN OP THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION > ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT > AFL.cTo" Seafarer Fred Gentry (2nd from left) testifies at hearing into Salem Maritime disaster. Also participating is attorney I. G. Seeger (front), of firm of SIU General Counsel Seymour W. Miller, who represented Seafarers' next of kin. HEARINGS OPEN ON SURVIVAL OF'SOW Story On Page 3 Tanker Blast Cause Unknown Toll Now 21 i 'Jr L •;I I A4#As'mF«#ls Twisted remains of the Cities Service.tanker Salem Maritime (above) bare witness to the fury of the A/fSusrer Mwwermuwn* explosion ana and fire which rippea ripped me the ship ^ nre wnicn snip while wmie loading luaumg dockside at the Lake Charles refinery last month. AAAWA.«.A. TVia /iicQcfo'T 91 iifrAc inniiiHincf 151 spafflrprs Tpstimnnv at f!nast G-uard li6£irin£f m&v h&vtt bG6n caused by a fifas teak while whil® The disaster claimed 21 lives, including 13 Seafarers. Testimony Coast Guard hearing indicfltcd indicated bl&st blast may have been gas leak the ship was completing Ipa^ing; Photo-.(iijset) shows lix^.t^ging the morning after the blast. (Stories on Pages 2 and 6.) ' 'J �T Pace Tfre ?V;; SEAFARERS Feb. I. 1*8«. LOG Probe Cause Of Ship Blast -Death Toll Rises To 21 PW"- tn •' ' Among several Seafarers who testified at CS hear­ ing, Fred Gentry, FWT, told of escape after 4-hour or­ deal trapped in e n g I n e room. Wiper Frank Albano, awak­ ened by blast, escaped over fantail. John Klepadio, FWT, swam river after leap from blaz­ ing ship. Blown from bunk by blast, Ralph Rice, machinist, tells of escape. Edward O'Connell, AS, saw gas leak before blast took place. I LAKE CHARLES—As the death toll in the explosion of the SlU-raanned tan^ker Salem Maritime rose to* 21, a US Coast Guard Board of Inquiry heard testimony pointing to a gasoline leak as a possible cause of the blast. A report of a leak through the bulkhead into the empty No. 8 starboard wing tank was the most concrete evidence turned up thus far to account for the disaster. The Cities Service tank-"^ er exploded on Tuesday, January 17, at 10:25 PM as Revised Casiiaity LjsC she was taking on the last of Twenty-one men, including 13 SIU men, are presumed dead a load of kerosene, gasoline, in the Salem maritime disaster of January 17. Besides the heating oil and bunker fuel SIU men, the bosun, four officers of the ;5hip and three shorehave been-* ———^ .!, " for the East Coast. Thirteen Sea­ side workers named in the casualty list. Mickey Candelieri, AB maint., farers lost their SIU men whose bodies have 30, Fdit Wprth, Texas, died;, in a lives in the explo­ sion, with Michele Candelierl the last to perish from burns suf­ fered in the re­ sultant fire. Eight others died in­ cluding three shoreside work­ Candelteri ers, the captain, chief mate, second mate, radio operator and bosun. (Revised and up to date casualty list appears at right.) Eleven Seafarers have been positively identified thus far. There is no doubt that the still missing men are lost. The death toll might have been hjgher but for the fact that a num­ ber of crewmembers who were off watch wei^e "up the highway" at the time. Other members of the crew escaped the inferno >by flee­ ing from the port side of the ship been identified are;, Dallis Bushing, AB , maiat, 80, Pontchataula, La. Fred Fall, OS, 58, Cornick, Pa. Joe Morgan, AB^ 31, Holland, Va. Leo J. Kennedy, 2nd cook, 57, Lyim, Mass'. Ernest P. Belkner, chief cook, 61, Farmington, Me. Purvis M. Blackwell, FWT,. 51, Gulfport, Miss. • Joseph S. Kornek, AB, 47, New Orleans, La. Milton Karlovee, AB, 45, Midland, Mich. Jan Sidor, oiler, 42, Columbus, Ohio. Wilmer Clark, AB maint., 42, Mobile, Ala. hospital iof bums.. SItr men listed as missing and presumed bp be lost are: Lawrenee J. Addilina, MM, 28, Port Arthur, Texas. James .SmaU, MM, 56, Cam­ bridge, Mass. Other members .of the crew listed as missing and presumed dead are: John Rugman, captain. Everette A. Alanne, chief mate. New Orleans, La. E. L. McDonald, second mate, Denton, Md. W. B. Jardlne, radio operator, Framingham, Mass. Robert B. Halvosa, bosun, Ruth­ erford, NJ. while three engine room members were rescued after four hours in the double bottom. Safety-Minded Ship Whether or not the-tiny stream of gasoline leaking into the num­ ber 8 tank actually touched off the explosion may never be answered fully. Expert witnesses, including a refinery chemist, agreed the leak was a distinct possibility. Careless­ ness seemed ruled out by testi­ mony from many witnesses to the effect that the officers were par­ ticularly safety-conscious. Testimony given thus far indi­ cated that at least two and possi­ bly three separate blasts shattered the ship. Most witnesses, agreed that the explosions took place on the starboard side in or near the No. 8 starboard wing tank which had the gasoline leak, and most of the damage was confined to that side of the vessel. At the time of the blast the for­ ward tanks, numbers 1 through 4, were fully loaded with heating oil. Tanks 5, 6 and 7 held gasoline. The No. 8 wing tanks, port and star­ board, were empty and the center No. 8 tank was taking on kerosene, at 104)00 barrels an hour. No. 9 tank was already full of gasoline... There were 2'7 men on th^ ship all told; 25 crewmembers, a Cities (Continued on page 6) Union Help On The Spot tn Disaster Hearing On Ship Tips in Idle Pay LAKE CHARLES, La. — SIU representatives converged quickly on. the scene of the Salem Maritime disaster to give all possible aid to Seafarers and their distressed families. Leroy Clarke, Lake Charles SIU port agent, was at the scene within a matter of minutes after the ex­ plosion to participate in rescyje A public hearing was held operations. Lindsey J. Williams, New Or­ by the Division of ~ Employ­ leans SIU port agent, left New ment, New York State De­ Orleans by automobile immediate­ partment of Labor, to give pas­ ly after Clarke telephoned him the senger ship steward ratings full tragic news. Williams arrived' credit for tips in Jiguring unem­ several hours later to direct the ployment pay. Section 517 of the SlU's efforts on behalf of the Unemployment Insurance Law pro­ vide;^ that tips are to be included Union's members involved. for this purpose. Notified Kin The Division presented an aver­ Williams was accompanied by Bill Moody, SEAFARERS LOG age tip list for men on ships carry­ Gulf representative, who was able ing more than 12 passengers. The to release the first list of casualties list is based on figures submitted to correspondents representing by Alcoa, Grace, Farrell, Mooremajor news wire services, news­ McCormack, US Lines and United papers, radio and television sta­ Fruit. Figuring in these tips may re­ tions. This and other information, which had been withheld by the sult in higher unemployment bene­ company, was of vital interest to fits, particularly if a man's em­ families and friends of SIU mem­ ployment is limited in any one bers in the Salem Maritime crew. year. The SIU was represented by Joe I. G. Seeger, attorney associated with Seymour Miller, SIU general Algina, assistant secretary-treas­ counsel, left New York by the first urer, and Herbert Brand, SEAFAR­ available plane and arrived the ERS LOG editor. No National Maritime Union next day to protect the full legal rights of Seafarers and their next representatives were present. The of kin and to assist In a three-day Director announced that the NMU hearing .conducted by a Coast had requested a postponement sev­ Guard investigating board to eral weeks before, but since noth­ inquire into the cause of the ex­ ing had been heard from them in plosion and to ascertein the id< iti- the intervening time, he decided ties of those lost in the disaster. to go ahead'with the hearing. Seafarers Express Syiilpathy To Kin SUps' cmws, individtial Sea­ farers and 'membership meet­ ings in all ports have joined In expressions of shock and grief over the loss of 13 Seafarers' lives In the Salem Maritime di»-aster. Union headquarters has received large numbers of calls and messages from the member­ ship asking that the callers' sympathies be conveyed to the next of kin. In addition, radiograms have been received from SIU ships. Including the Del Alba, Steel Architect, Massniar and Seatrain Texas in sympathy to the families of men lost on the tanker. Lax Loading Rule Hinted By CS Aide LAKE CHARLES, Lg. — A past history of .explosions dur­ ing kerosene loading opera­ tions at the Cities Service docks here was revealed in testimony of company witnesses at a US Coast Guard inquiry into the tragic ex­ plosion of the Salem Maritime. ' In recent years, three explosions occurred aboard tank barges being loaded with kergsene. Kerosene was being loaded in Salem Maritime's No. 8 center tank at the time of the explosion which occurred in that vicinity. Before loading barges with kero­ sene, the company required the tanks to be washed out with water and then lined with a layer of dry ice in the bottom, W. R. Casey, Hollywood, La., testified. The company also placed a max­ imum limit of 25 pounds of pres­ sure on cargo lines at the dock while loading kerosene en barges and slowed down the loading rate. The maximum limit for tankers was 70 pounds. Similar special'precautions were not observed aboard tankers, Casey observed, because of the amount of labor'.involved in placing dry Ice in the larger shipboard tanks. "Besides,"' he said, "wa nev6r had any trouble with tankers~be- ' fore." New Orleans Seafarers and SIU port officials assist in carry­ ing body of Seafarer Joseph S. Kornek, AB, 47, one of 13 SIU victims of the Salem M«ritime disaster, to final resting place after funeral services in that city last Sunday. Serving as pallbearers were Lindsey J. Williams, SIU port agent (left foreground)', and (right), C. J. Stephens, SIU patrolman, and Seafarers John McCaslln, Melvin Schrade, C. W. Gait and J. C. Carolan. Man in front, was undertakek^r'Atdevn �M- ' \ Fei i llst ' ;•» --^ SEAFARERS Brazilian Unionista Visit Savaitnah t -» . •? , lOG f '•.% Mare titre« Farm Bloc Leads Attack On '50-50 As Hearings Open WASHINGTON—The opening blast in a new farm attack has been launched against the "50-50" law amid growing indications that US shipping is caught in the middle of a war between domestic and foreign agricultural interests. Testifying on the first day of "50-50" hearings, Gwynn Garnett of the US Department of Agri­ culture urged that "50-50" be amended to exempt $1.5 billions of agricultural sur­ plus from its provisions. If If such is the case, by arguing unfair competition for their own the amendment were to output. for modification of "50-50" th« carry it would mean untold Denmark is one of the countries Agriculture Department is indi­ Delegation of Brazilian trade unionists on a US La(>or Dept.sponsored tour is shown during visit to SlU hall in Savannah. Group (I to r) includes M. Carvalho, E. J. Lessa, E. A. Card­ oso, J. Campello, Labor Dept. aide Joseph Pitcher and M. Cabecas. ' They represent doclcworlcers, chemical and edi­ torial workers in the South American country. Electric Strikers Applaud SlU Aid BALTIMORE—A warm letter of thanks for help Sea­ farers have given and are giving Westinghouse strikers has been received by the SIU here from the Baltimore local union of the International Union of Electrical Workers. Local 130, for children of the strikers and lUE, wrote the SIU express­ adds: "The officers and members ing "heartfelt and sincere, appre­ ciation for the wonderful way the members of your union aided us during this strike x. • we can truly say without it our fight may have been lost." Seafarers in Baltimore have been helping out on picket lines at two Westinghouse plants in the area during the course of the 31^month struggle: The Baltimore plants, have been targets of a com­ pany-inspired "back to work" movement in efforts to break the spirit of the strikers. Host To Kids In addition, the SIU Baltimore hall was host to Westinghouse strikers. and their children at a Christmas Party. Meanwhile, SIU headquarters representatives in New York are participating in plans made by New York AFL-CIO unions to give further assistance to the striking union. The letter thankS Seafarers for helping make a brighter Christmas of Local 130 hope that they may return some means of help in some way. Please don't hesitate to ask at any time." Award Winners in Next issue Reports from the judges of the First Seafarers Award con­ test indicate that they will soon complete their work and pre­ pare their report of the win­ ners. Full details will be car­ ried in the February 17 LOG. quantities' of cargo lost to foreign ship operators with consequent loss of jobs by US seamen. Indications were that any such proposal would get short shrift before the House Merchant Marine Committee, currently con­ ducting the hearings. However, it may be a different story in the Senate where the Senate Agricul­ ture Committee will take up legis­ lation exempting agricultural sur­ plus from "50-50." Several mem­ bers of this committee are openly hostile to the "50-50" law. Deep Problem Farm bloc spokesmen and State Department representatives have argued all along that "50-50" is hampering disposal of surplus be­ cause foreign nations object to any cargo preference for US ships. The real problems of surplus disposal seem to go much deeper than that. John Hollister, head of the for­ eign aid program, told a news con­ ference that surplus disposal is running into ^difficulties because foreign countries do not want sur­ plus under any conditions "50-50" or not. Every attempted sale is pro­ tested by nations producing competing agricultural products. For example, the "Pacific Ship­ per" of January 30, 1956, reports that Denmark, New Zealand, and The Netherlands all protested vig­ orously when the Agriculture De­ partment offered 10 million pounds of surplus butter at 33.5 to 35.5 cents a pound. These countries complained that the offering was cited by the Agriculture Depart­ ment as having withdrawn from the surplus disposal program, os­ tensibly because of the "50-50" law. The real reason for Denmark's at­ titude, maritime observers believe, is that she is a major agricultural exporter in her own right and does not want US surplus reducing prices of her exports. If in the process of blocking surpluses, Denmark can also heip kill the "50-50" law, it means two birds with one stone and so much gravy for Danish shipowners. , PHS Funds Seen Safe This Year WASHINGTON—It looks like smooth sailing for the. US Public Health Service hospitals in Congress this year as the administration put in a request for the full amoimt of USPHS funds plus an increase for the-^ coming year. ices. The administration is asking The budget request calls for for more money for research in va­ $35,811,000 as compared to $34,326,000 voted last year. It means that the hospitals will he able to maintain all their present services and possibly expand services in some areas. The increase in hospital funds requested by President Eisenhower in his message to Congress is part of a general increase in all Gov­ ernment health and welfare serv- Guifwater Maices It On Her Qwn SEAFARERS LOG Fob. 3. 1956 Vol. XVIII, No. 3 PAVL HALL, Secretary-Treasurer HERBERT BRAND; Editor; RAV DENISON, Managing Editor; BERNARD SEAMAN, Art. Editor; HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWIN SPIVACK, Staff Writers; BILL MOODY, Gulf Area Representative. Final Dispatch Page 9 Hospitalized Men Page 12 Inquirering Seafarer ..... Page 5 Labor Round-up Page 11 Letters Page 14 Shipping Figures Page 16 SIU Hall Directory Page 16 Your Dollar's Worth Page 6 rious major diseases and for other aspects of the program of the De­ partment of Health, Education and Welfare. Government Switch News of the fund request was cheered in maritime circles as in­ dicating that the Government has abandoned the Hobby - Dodge Hoover approach to seamen's hos­ pital facilities. When Mrs. Oveta Culp Hobby was secretary of the Health Department she and Budget Director Joseph Dodge attempted to close ail the USPHS facilities for seamen. Even when these at­ tempts were defeated by aroused opposition from tlie SIU and otlier sea unions, '^she persistently re­ quested less money than was need­ ed to run the hospitals. Congress Restored Funds It was necessary for Congress to act to restore hospital funds in the face of Mrs. Hobby's opposition. Subsequently the Hoover Com­ mission, headed by former US President Herbert Hoover, also recommended that the hospitals be closed. Since practically all the attacks on the hospitals came from a seg­ ment of the Republican Party, the Administration's fund request means that the advocates of re­ duced services for merchant sea­ men are now in a small minority. Meeting Night Every 2 Weeks Published biweekly at tna headquarters of the Seafarers Internatienal Union, At­ lantic A Gulf District, AFL-CIO, 675 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel HYaclnth t-6f00. Entered as second class matter at the Post Offlce In Brooklyn, NY, under the Act of Aug. 24, 1»12. IM rectly pl^ding the cause of for­ eign agricultural interests who ar«. anxious to throw a monkey wrench into surplus disposal for good rea­ sons of their own. House Merchant Marine Commit­ tee chairman. Representative Her­ bert Bonner, sstrongly challenged the testimony of the Agricultur# Department as did other commit­ tee members. Thus far, Bonner pointed out, a contract for only $7million of the total export pro­ gram of $1.5 billion has been with­ drawn by foreign nations. Entering Hampton Roads, Va., under her own power after going aground enroute to Norfolk, the SlU-manned freighter Gulfwater (left) it shown at a Coast Guard patrol vessel escorted her into port. A shift in her deck cargo of lumber caused a 15 degree list to port. Regular membership meet­ ings 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' Feb. 8. Feb- 22, Mar. 7. ^'1 1 �Fek. S. 19M SEAFAEERSLOG TMr YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH Seafarers Guide To Better Buying r/-_, N-' By Sidney Margolius Check Car-Maker's Guarantee A reader bought a new car several~'months ago and encountered a nightmare of difficulties. The doors leaked, the steering linkage was faulty, he couldn't shift into first gear without first moving the car slightly In high gear, and over 35 mph the' front end bounced around like a rubber ball. Quite apparently he had gotten a lemon. Despite the fact the dealer was one of the country's largest, with big outlets in Miami and New York, and the car itself one of the most widely sold, he couldn't get these defects properly adjusted. He sent numerous letters and wires to the factory, made expensive phone calls to, the manufacturer's zone office and put up a real battle to get the car put Into the top condUion a family should expect when it pays out a couple of thotisand dollars. /- f Elected chairman of the committee by his fellow-committee members, chief steward Pete Loleas opens first session of i5-man rank and file body which will draft steward department report in final form. Std. Committee Drafting Final Work Rules Report Members of a newly-elected rank and file steward committee are now putting the final touches to a proposed set of tules and procedures for operation of shipboard steward de­ partments, The 15-man committee—elected by the membership in a special meeting on Jan. 30—is incorporating worth­ while suggestions from shiphoard steward departments MSfe;'"-' Into the draft report which will be submitted to the membership for approval. Prominent among issues being Ironed out by the committee are the duties of steward department men on ships which vary from the standard type. Tankers and Libertys, for example, have one less man in the galley than C-types and the committee is dealing with the dut3es of the combined 3i<l cook-galleyman on these ships as compared to the separate job.s on • ships with passenger facilities. Giher special ship problems are also being dealt with. Upgrading Discussed Coming in for much discussion Is the question of time require­ ments to upgrade and certify rat­ ings in tiie department. The committee has - already agreed that there should be a change in the chief cook's working hours a; specified In the original draft of the report. The new 15-man, committee elected this past week Is the sec­ ond to deal with the question of standardiz'iig steward department procedure. The fir.U committee, elected m September, drew up an Interim report in three parts— shipping and upgrading procedure, shipboard working rules, and the "to order" feeding program on the ships. The first draft was printed In the LOG and sent out to all stew­ ard departments of SlU ships to be voted on. The majority of re­ turns were overwhelmingly In favor of the report as a whole, with questions and suggestions be ing limited to individual items in the report. The .second draft now being worked up by the new committee will be submitted to the member­ ship in all- ports far action. If approved It will become the guide for SIU steward department oper­ ations. Also in . the offing, are a stand­ ard minimum stores list for all SIU ships and standardized set of in­ structions to steward departn.ents from the companies. These matters have to be dealt with In talks with the operators. The committee's chairman is Peter Loleas. Seafarer Modifies Rig Of Safety Bosun Chair Seafarer Serafin Lopez demonstrates his new modified rig^ for a safety bosun's chair aboard the Kathryn. Looking on are (I to r) Roberto Zaragoza, bosun, and Bill Ekins, car­ penter. A modified design of a safety bosun's chair is now being offered by veteran Seafarer Serafin G. Lopez. The new chair is designed to permit deck gang men to work aloft with both hands free in safety.. The chair has already been inches wide, big enough to accom­ sold to several steamship com­ modate a 200-pounder In comfort. It has a safety belt worn high up, panies and shoreside opera­ right under the ribs, positioned so tions where rigging is used. Other operators have indicated interest in the chair as a potential reducer of shipboard accidents. Among advantages claimed by Lopez for his design are elimina­ tion of twisting, tilting or splitting and prevention of falling due to loss of balance or consciousness. Safety-Sure The wood seat of the chair Is made 24 Inches long ahd llAi that a seaman can lean back against It without fear of tipping his seat. Paint buckets, tools and other gear can easily be hung from the chair. With both hands free manipulation of tools is greatly simplified. A key to the design is the safetyhook cleat combination which Lo­ pez says always remains firm and makes It easy for the operator to fasten or release the rope by which the chair hangs. Given a Run Around But he got no place. Factory representatives simply referred him back to the dealer. Finally, after 2,900 miles, during which time the front tires had to be replaced three times, apparently because of the faulty front end, he traded the car in on another make. He lost about $600 on the deal and went $800 deeper in debt. This department has gotten complaints about defects on most of the widely-sold makes, so defects cannot be attributed to just one factory or dealer in particular, although we are keeping a box score on the various makes. But it is time to point out /that oar manufacturers actually get away with one of the poorest guarantees of any mechanical product the public buys, with the possible exception of TV sets. If you buy a $50 vacuum cleaner you get a year's guarantee. But you pay $2,000 or more for a new car and get a guarantee of only 90 days or 4,000 nilles. And in this department's experience, the appli­ ance *manufacturer who gives you a year's guarantee is more likely to provide more wholehearted service than thtf' car manufacturer with his 90-day warranty. About a year ago this writfer bought a vacuum cleaner for $40 and paid cash. The very last week before the year's guarantee expired, the motor burned out. It would cost $28 to re­ place. The factory's authorized service" shop replaced it without question or debate. Car Buyer Can Protect Self There are certain steps a car buyer should take to make sure he gets defects corrected before the short warranty period expires. It's important to do this. For one thing, modern cars are increasingly complex. Thus they need thorough testing. But they are not tested before delivery even as thoroughly as they used to be when produc­ tion was centered at the factory. Now production is decentralized, and the assembly and branch plants don't have the proving facii-'ties of the factory itself. Another current reason why defects may appear in new cars is that price-cutting by dealers is leading, some to skimp on both preparation for delivery, and on the warranty service. The dealers claim the factories don't pay them enough to get a complex modern car into proper ishape for delivery, nor enough for adjust­ ments during the warranty period. One leading specialist tells this writer many recently-bought cars brought into his shop particularly don't have the carburetor properly calibrated. ' Some people write us that they prefer to buy on time rather than pay all cash for goods in case anything goes wrong. This is no pro­ tection, in cars or appliances either, because the dealer simply turns your note over to a finance company and you owe this lender the money. The dealer gets his money from the finance company, and isn't concerned whether you pay the balance or not. Check Up'Before Delivery When you buy a new car, here's how to make sure you get what service you can under the skimpy warranty: " 1—Check over the car and take a short drive before accepting delivery. ;'The dealer may say any defects will be corrected at the 1,000 mile checkup. But that checkup is for the purpose of eliminat­ ing problems arising during the first 1,000 miles, not those existing at delivery. , 2—^When you do take possession, take the car to a reliable inde­ pendent mechanic. Have him check it and especially check body bolts, electrical xonnections, carburetor calibration, wheel alignment, steering and gas throttle linkage and brakes. Make a list of defects he finds and bring the car back tp the dealer for adjustment of these items. 3—^If the car then is in good shape drive it, preferably on a long trip, until the 1,000 mile point. Before bringing it in for the checkup, take it to a body shop and pay it to inspect the car for paint defects, and body and trunk and door alignment. Also put the car under a hose or through a car laundry to locate leaks. Again; make a list of defects to be corrected at the 1,000 mile checkup. Give the dealer sufficient time to take care of everything. Among vital points to have him check is wheel alignment, as free play often develops during the first 1,000 to 3,000 miles. 4—-When you call for the car, re-check your list to see if all defects are adjusted. Tell the service manager about any still unsatisfactory items before you leave the shop. 5—If any defects still exist after the 2,000 mile checkup, you can be sure they either cannot be corrected and the parts should be re­ placed, or the dealer is avoiding further work. Then only a complaint to the zone office, the Better Business Bureau, local district attorney, your auto club, or the threat of legal action, may get the dealer's cooperation. If the dealer has promised to make a correction even after the warranty period, or if for some reason a repair can't be made imniediately, send him a registered letter noting that the complaint was repo^e^ while the warntpty was still In effect. �Pac« ftr* SEAFARERSLOC tth. S, 19M MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT im REPMT DRECT-TD-SHIPS SHIPS' WIRELESS / / I ^ -THE-WORLD^H ROUND-THE-WORLD _± EVERY SUNDAY 1915 GA^T (2:15 PM EST Sunday) L_l rLJ-UH EVERY H MONDAY 0315 GMT —WCO-13020 Kg (10:15 PM EST Sunday) Australia WMM 25—15607 KC East Coest South America -WCO-16908.8 KC Northwest Pacific —WMM 81—11037.5 Europe and North America West Coast South America —WCO-22407 KG Baltimore SlU To Aid Tavern Union In Drive BALTIMORE—Full support by the SIU branch here has been pledged to a drive by the AFL-CIO Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union to organize various bars and ginmills in this city. An energetic organizing Act Now On campaign in this field has just Safety Quiz gotten underway, paralleling OK a smaller scale a similar effort by the same union to bring a score ol open shop Miami Beach hotels under the HREIU banner. Noting the local drive, Port Agent Earl Slieppard said we have offered them "our whole-hearted support in attaining their goal." He pointed out that the SIU's Port O' Call Bar in the Baltimore ball was not involved, since it has been a "union house" from the day it opened. The SIU has also aided the In­ ternational Union of Electrical Workers on strike at two Westinghouse plants here. Seek Teamster Backing Other local beefs include the still-continuing picketing by the Marine Allied Workers, with SIU assistance, at the Old Bay Line, to win recognition from this outfit. Sheppard said meetings with of­ ficials of the International Brother­ hood of Teamsters are^ promised, at which time the drivers' active support in the beef will be re­ quested. Only one outstanding shipboard beef presented itself during' the past two weeks of slow shipping, concerning the question of crewmembers bailing water out of mid­ ships spaces on the Chilore (Ore). The beef is being handled by SIU headqbarters officials in New York on behalf of the Seafarers involved, The quiet shipping, both past and present, produced a word of caution from Sheppard to Seafar­ ers waiting around for a particular ship or run. He urged them to play it safe by taking whatever comes up on the board. Over the past two weeks 14 ships paid off, 11 signed on and 19 stopped over in transit. Most of them, with the exception of the Chilore, were 'handle^ in qpipk, order. " Headquarters urges all ship's crews who have not yet done so to meet on the shipboard safety program and send in their sug­ gestions on the forms provided for that purpose. Early response to the Union request will promote early ac­ tion on the problems of ship­ board safety. Each ship's de­ partment is provided with a separate form dealing with the safety problems involved in their work. Tliose ships' crews who have not received the forms as yet should get in touch with head­ quarters or the nearest SIU port office to get their copies. 'Will Oppose Any Future Bargaming Limits' The SIU served notice it will fight efforts to impose restrictions on free collective bar­ gaining, as SIU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall informed the chairman of the House Mer­ chant Marine Committee of the Union's disagreement with several committee recom­ mendations. The committee : — proposed a number of modifi­ these hearings the SIU of NA is my opinion that an observer in cations of "present labor-man­ spokesmen all strongly opposed active negotiation sessions would agement relations in maritime in a report Issued last week bwt bac'iced off from proposals for legisla­ tive controls over seamen's earn­ ings. Writing to Rep. Herbert Bonner, committee chairman. Hall reiter­ ated the Union's position as stat­ ed in previous hearings before the committee by himself, SUP secre­ tary-treasurer Harry Lundeberg and Vincent Malone, president of the Marine Firemen's Union. At the wage control plan put forth by Bonner and supported by sev­ eral major steamship organizations. Hall's letter dealt with three major items in the committee's re­ port. 1.) It took exception to the Committee's approval of Mari­ time Administration participation, through an observer, in recent col­ lective bargaining between unions and subsidized operators. On the basis of eriperience. Hall said, "it NY Dockmen Gef IBL Pledge Card The International Brotherhood of Longshoremen, AFLCIO, has begun distributing pledge cards to New Yorh longshorenien as the first step towards a new election in New York harbor. The IBL re--^ ported a strong response to its its autonomy and has reentered drive from all sections of the the field. It reports heavy defec­ port in the first days following the distribution of the cards. This action by the longshore union came after it had received pledges of full support from the Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO and from the SIU, which is an MTD membei". A resolution passed at the last MTD convention put the MTD squarely on record in favor of an IBL bid for a new elec­ tion to take the longshoremen out of the hands of the International Longshoremen's Association. Expelled From AFL The ILA was ousted by the AFL in September, 1953, for failure to act on racketeering in its ranks and major abuses of its member­ ship. The new longshore union was chartered at the time and a fiveman board of trustees was chosen to govern an organizing campaign in New York harbor. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall was a member of the trustees and the SIU took an active part in support of the AFL drive, the out­ come of which was a narrow vic­ tory for the ILA by a margin of less than 200 votes in 20,000. Since theii, the IBL has received Greeting 1956 in Phiiadeiphia Seafarer William Davies, his wife ^and three children were among a large group of Seafarers who welcomed 1956 ;,at a New. Year's.Dey party in a resteutant not far.frprp^the iPiiiladerpliia'SIU halL ^ ^• tions among ILA supporters be­ cause of the failure of ILA to im­ prove conditions in the harbor and to fulfill any of the promises it made to its membership. As a result, pledge cards are coming in at a faster rate than in the last election. constitute an impediment. .. every bargaining session would be a mediation mqeting . . . Sees Obstructions "Third parties are useful where two parties cannot agree; but they are superfluous and obstructive when the principals are bargaining in good faith." 2.) A proposal by the committee to establish an "umpire," who would in effect, be a czar of the maritime industry, was attacked in the letter as setting up an "offi­ cious meddler." Hall again point­ ed to the SIU's good labor rela­ tions record based on the intan­ gible ingredients of good faith and fair dealing which cannot be legis­ lated into existence. 3.) The report's recommendation that the Federal Maritime Board examine monetary items in deter­ mining subsidies, to find out if th.ese labor costs are "fair and rea­ sonable." The SIU secretary-treas­ urer declared this would in effect be a wage ceiling, as any FMB findings would tend to set a pattern and restrict collective bargaining. "A wage ceiling, like a price ceil­ ing" is "repugnant" to American principles of collective bargaining, he observed. The original Bonner proposal had gone far beyond this, calling (Continued on page 16) Question: The SIU and the companies are currently initiating a new safety progra'm. ^Do you have any suggestions for the safety committee? Louis Come, chief steward: The Bob Kurz, 3rd cook: When ships emphasis should be on the supply­ come into port they should be ing of adequate made to put up a equipment foe decent -gangway the ships and the instead of a flexmaintenance of ible ladder. the equipment in Sometimes the first rate condi­ ladder is greasy tion. Most acci­ and slippery and dents seem to if you are wear­ come from defec­ ing good clothes tive gear and so you have to keep they could be a rag in your prevented if the gear was in good hand to grasp with. It's not very shape. safe. t 4" ^ Monserrate Saliva, AB: They Leopoldo Colon, oUer: 1 think a should put strict limits on having system of bonuses or awards men chip and should be set up paint over the for crew safety side. On one ship suggestions. Then I was on, the the ci-ew would mate had the take an interest men chipping in seeing to it over the side in that the ship is drydock, which is safe. An award very dangerous. system would ha Also, men should­ cheaper than n't work over the paying the cost side in shark-infested waters. of accidents and injuries. t 3^ 4 • 4 4 * Tommy Thompson, MM: Quite a Marcos Fortes, FOW: Many acci­ dents come from neglecting the few ships have no lights back aft proper securing at night which is of the ship for a hazard for the rough weather. messman when When wo have a he goes aft to storm and there dump garbage. is anything un­ There should be secured it is very a- switch in the bad. The commit­ midship house so tee should in­ a man could turn struct the offi­ lights on aft and cers a rfd the .see if the vessel crewS: on l o\^ to secure, properly was taking, seas, or if there wer* hazards on deck. •for sea. " -..si -Si ^ ''-i I M\ �SEAFARERS rare Six Feb..S, 19M LOG Probe Tanker Explosion (Continued from page 2) Service loading inspector and a •horeside watchman. The captain, 2nd assistant engineer and radio operator were in the officers' lounge catching television, and the S to 12 watch was on duty. Other crewinembers were in • their foc'•les." Second engineer M. Mizens had Just picked up the loading report and returned to the lounge when the explosion took place. The radio operator, W. B. Jardine, ran into the passageway and was engulfed by flame. Captain John, Rugman was last seen on the captain's deck. Mizens escaped by sliding down a line to the forward main deck. Jumping to the dock and then into the river. Pump Pressure Normal Shoreside pumpman James E. Collins and J. M. Sutherland were handling the pumping of the kero­ sene. Both reported that pressure and temperature gauges registered Seafarer ItaeedFire To Shore Flames spreading from the ex­ plosion of the Salem Maritime licked within 15 feet of the spot where Seafarer John Klepadlo, Avoca, Pa., lay exhausted on a mudbank after swimming the Cal­ casieu River to escape the blazing tanker. Relating his story to a Coast Guard Board of Inquiry, Klepadlo said he was asleep in the room he shared with Seafarer Purvis M. Blackwell, fireman, of Gulfport, Miss., when the ship exploded. Klepadlo, also a fireman, ran out of the room with Blackwell when the e.xplosion jarred them awake. Went Over Fantail Blackwell followed Klepadlo out onto the fantail, but for some un­ known reason he didn't follow his roommate over the side. One of four charred bodies recovered in the officers' mess subsequently was identified as Blackwell. "I didn't think I could go any further when I hit the mudbank," Klepadlo said. "The mud was knee deep. I was so tired I just stood there in the mud and water. I saw the fire coming after me. Some­ how I floundered up onto the mudbank. I just lay there. I was ex­ hausted." Klepadlo was taken off the mudbank a little while later by a tug. Klepadlo at first was reported critically burned, but it turned out he suffered from minor burns, shock and exposure. He was able to appear at the CG hearing on the second day following the explo­ sion. Notify Union About Sick Men Ship's delegates are urged to notify the Union immediately when a shipmate is taken' off the vessel in any port because of illness or injury. Delegates .should not wait until they send in the ship's minutes but should handle the matter in a separate communication, so that the Un­ ion can determine in what man­ ner it can aid the brother. It would also be helpful if the full name, rating and book number was sent in. Address these notifications to Welfare Services at headquarters. Beneficiary Cards Lacking... As an aftermath 8f the loss of the Salem Maritime, trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan have called on all Seafarers to make sure that they have an up-to-date beneficiary card on file. In ex­ amining the records, the trustees found that fully half of the men who lost their lives on the ship did not have a card in the files of the Welfare Plan. In at least one instance, the card was not up to date, inasmuch as the Seafarer had since acquired a wife and family. All Seafarers are urged to make sure they have a card on file designating their beneficiary, so as to protect their families in the event of an unforeseen accident. The Welfare Plan is now in the process of speeding death ben­ efits payments to the Salem Maritime victims' next of kin. normal at the time with pump splashing on the bottom." Subse­ pressure well within the capacity quently, Reynolds instructed the of the lines. The lines themselves chief mate to leave No. 8 wing were new ones and in good condi­ tanks empty and load only the cen­ ter tank. Other witnesses substan­ tion. A number of Seafarers told the tiated O'Connell's testimony. Coast Guard hearing that officers The Board then asked Thomas rigidly enforced safety regulations L. Kirby, refinery chemist, whether Only non-sparking tools and spe­ the leak could have caused the ex­ cial safety flashlights were per­ plosion. He agreed it could. Gaso­ mitted. There was no "hot work" line, like any petroleum product, going on and "no smoking" rules tends to vaporize, he explained. Arriving back in New York, Seafarer Thomas °J. Cox, AB, one were rigidly enforced at all times. When the vapor-air mixture reaches of several crewmembers of the ill-fafed Salem Maritime who Several refinery men agreed it was a certain proportion, between two were ashore in Lake Charles at the time of the explosion, commonplace to load mixed cargo and six percent vapor to "air, it is oints to approximate location where'blast is believed to and pointed out that all of it was the expiosive range. Somewhere in aboard except the kerosene. the tank, this could have occurred. ave started, on a model of Cities Service tanker Bents Fort Since all the loading operation at SlU headquarters. Cox's foc'sle was in the after housing. Gasoline Produced Static appeared routine, considerable im­ The spark that set off the ex­ portance was attached to the testi­ plosion, he theorized further, could mony of Seafarer Ed O'Connell. have come from static electricity AB, of Salem, Mass. O'Connell was generated by the friction of gaso­ one of three Seafarers who had line droplets rubbing together as gone ashore at nine o'clock to get they fell. He could not say whether a few beers, thus escaping the such static electricity would bleed \ blast. He told the inquiry that off into the sides of the tank or A chance decision by three Salem Maritime deck depart­ while on the 12 to 4 watch that accumulate sufficiently to produce afternoon, 2nd mate E. L. McDon- arcing from one droplet to an­ ment men to go into town for a couple of beers probably afd "heard an oil leak in the No. other. meant the difference between life and death for Seafarers 8 starboard wing tank." The mate There was some disagreement Thomas Cox, Harry Cole and Ed^ sent O'Connell for a wrench to among other witnesses whether the O'Connell. Instead of being in The three men had been sched­ open the tank top. blast was on the starboard or port their foc'sle on the starboard side uled to go on the 12-4 watch when AB Saw Leak side, but all were agreed it was near the location of the blast, they they made the snap decision to go When the tank was open, the 1st unusually violent. A section of deck were seven miles away in a bar to town. It was nine PM and time mate, E. A. Alanne, Captain Rug- plating, 20 to 25 feet long and 10 when the ship blew up at 10:25 was hanging heavy on their hands. man, Howard Reynolds, the CS in­ feet wide, was blown ashore 1,000 PM, Tuesday, January 17. They decided they might just as spector, and others gathered round. feet from the ship. Coast Guard Still on edge from his experi­ well kill their free time in town Reynolds went down into the tank board members agreed that the ence, Cox told how he and his instead of sitting in idleness; Cox a few feet to survey the situation. plating came from the deck over watch partners were relaxing over got dressed, but the other two O'Connell said he could see the No. 8 port wing tank. their beers when suddenly "the were still wearing their 'work gear. leak which was in the bulkhead, Whatever the cause of the ex­ whole building shook. I thought "If I had known it was drizzling separating, the.No. 9 tank from the plosion, there was no question of the place had been hit by a trailer out," Cox recalled, "I probably empty No. 8 wing tank. A stream its impact. That was presented in truck, but when I looked out the would have given up the idea and of gasoline "about as big around" a cold statistic: of 27 men who window it was as if night had been stayed on the ship." But since he as a man's index finger was pour­ were on board, 20 are dead, and turned into day. I turned to my had gotten dressed he decided to ing out of the leak near the top missing or presumed dead, and one watch partners and said 'I hope go anyway. of the tank." You could hear it man on shore also died. that's not what I think it is'." When they saw the ship had ex­ ploded they started back to the dock, but didn't get very far as local police put up roadblocks to keep bystanders and curiosity seekers, away. In any case, there was a danger that the high octane tanks would go with possible disa^rous consequences for onlook­ ers. A dramatic example of the spirit that binds seafaring men together aboard ship and often holds them to share a common fate occurred on the Salem Maritime during the tragic ex^ It wasn't until Saturday after­ noon that Cox was able to board plosion and fire that claimed the live of 18 crew members. the ship again. One look at his For four hours, Seafarer •< foc'sle showed how lucky he had Fred Gentry, fireman; George described it, "a tremendous jolt ing to the upper level of the engine been. A heavy steel-based table had Emley, first assistant engi­ rocked the engine room." room. Presumably he left through been welded to tiie floor by the neer, and Frank Toto, third assis­ Toto hurried to make a quick the door leading into the passage­ heat of the flames. His locker tant engineer, were trapped below check of the fire room and had way. He was never seen alive which had been so crammed with decks while a blazing inferno raged just completed it when Emley thereafter. gear "that I liad to put my should­ above them and explosions wracked came in. The men discovered fresh air er to the door to close it" con­ the ship. (A short report of the nar­ "The 'first' told us what had hap­ coming into a shaft alley from a tained nothing but dust and ashes. rowing experience was carried in pened," Toto said. "He reported vent, overhead. They spent much The bunks had been blown off the the Jan. 20 LOG.) the entire ship was on fire. He said of their time there, after closing walls and a section of the main Emley and Toto had a chance there was no chance to escape; that the watertight doors to keep out deck on the starboard side had^ to escape through a port hole, but our best chance was to get into the smoke and flames. been peeled off and blown onto Gentry, a big man, was too bulky double bottom tank." Fire-Fighting Useless ^ the starboard boat deck. to make it and couldn't swim. So, The imprisoned men experienced Emley had kept this idea In By contrast, many engine room Emiey and Toto stood fast with the back of his head, he testified, a particularly bad moment when foc'sles on the port side of the Gentry, refusing to leave the ship­ since some years ago when at Gal­ the starboard bulkhead became so vessel had been untouched by the mate who had shared with them veston he visited a burned out hot it ignited a storage locker con­ flames as the vvind had been blow­ the worst of the fear-ridden hours tanker, the Esso Greensboro, which taining, among other things, a ing from that quarter. of imprisonment in the fire-ringed ha/1 caught fire in the Gulf. The quantity of inflammable insulation Cox, who has been sailing eight engine room. ^ only man who survived, he said, varnish. This material blazed "like years, had boarded the Salem Incidents that punctured those was one who had stayed in the a collection of roman candles," Maritime in Perth Ji.mboy on De­ hours and some of the thoughts double bottom until the fire burned Gentry recalled. cember 27, and was on his second that raced through their minds as out. Efforts to fight the fire with C02 trip. He served in the Navy in they sweated it out below were Of the four men trapped below, proved useless, so they decided to World War II and his ships sur­ described by the three men in testi­ only Sidor talked of leaving. Emley let the blaze burn itself out. vived a number of Japanese sul- mony they gave to a US Coast said he and the rest tried to reaspn The ship shuddered occasionally cide plane attacks. Guard Board of Inquiry, with him, but while they were busy from subsequent explosions. But "I used to take them as they Jolt Rocked Ship removing the top from the tank in the men trapped in the engine came, tankers or freighters, it did Gentry, Oiler Jan Sidor and the double bo.ttbm of, the sljipji rqpm imag^^d this' was the . move-; matter. But it's no more tank­ Toto were on watcl^ whVb, as.Toto Sidor dashed up the ladder legd'^ ers f6r 'me tvoid noW on.^*''' ." (Cohtittded bii pag^'isy I ^One Last Beer^ Saved Deck Trio Refusal to Separate Saved Lives of 3 Trapped Men �Its* SEAFARERS KMIN QOOOfKLLOW »M( Ship- servl^' dh^ted.' Caheu^ In commuplna). Dae. 1l—ChairmaN, •. Oeuld- nicalDan/irom/beadquartvA Insi Saerataryr a. Van Dvtan. Waahinf machine waa repaired. PerformALC'diA PURITAN (AtcOS), Dec. 11^ ara and their beefa will be taken care Chairman,' nana> Sacratary,. \ naaa. •f at payoff. Accept comimniieatlona from headquartera. All beefs to be handled by delegatea. Paintinc beef to be turned over to patrolman. ROBIN CRAY <faaa BMpptaB). Dae. 11—Chairman, J. McCollom; Sacretary, J. Dalan. All repairs are belns made. Ail foc'siea to be cleaned be­ fore gettine off ship. Beef on delay of men waiting for doctor in Durban. No other beefs. SANTORE (Ore), Dac. IB—Chair­ man, L. Blondo; Secretary, John St. John: Repair lists have been dis­ tributed to departmcmt heads and boarding patrolman at paVoff. Concur in communications from headquarters. Crew of Santore extend their, best LOG fage Serem No Day For A Seasick Sailor Some disputed overtUnef Concur, in communication from.. headquaiAers. New locks to be put abbard fbc. screen doors on crew deck. Discussion held on unsafe condition in passageway: ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), Dec. 14— Chairman, A. Waslluk; Secretary/At. LSursnp. Ship's fund—$30. Concur in communication from headquarters. Ship's treasurer and secretary-report­ er elected; Better, grade of apples .to be put aboard. A report has been issued on the decisions of the Seafarers Appeals Board dealing with ANGELINA iBuli Lines), Dec. 2<— Chairman, . Larsen; Secretary, ,J. Engles. Beefs about food ;and poor condition of quarters. N<A epough sanitary supplies aboard. SRip'S fund —S14. Concur in'- communications from headquarters. Discussion held on poor variety of food. Ship's fund to be built Up to buy TV aeriaL SBASTAR (Triton), Dee. IB—Chair­ ' FLOMAR (Calmar), Dec. It-tChalrman, D. Albright; Secretary, R. Mor- man, F. Baron; Secretary, H. Simons. rlsette. Ever.vthing okay. Few hours disputed overtime. Ship's treasury— S1S.40. Vote of thanks to steward department. Everything running smoothly. -Con­ cur with communications from head­ quarters. Discussion held on payoff procedure. SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Seatrain), Dec. 21—Chairman, E. Emanuel; Sec­ retary, S.^ Butler. No beefs. Some disputed overtime. Concur in com­ munications from headquarters. Dis­ cussion held on daymen not doing his work and about deck department foc'sles not being painted. GATEWAY CITY (Waterman), Dec. 17—Chairman, J. F. Cauda; Secretary, D. Collins. No beefs. No draw will be put'out until arrival in port. Few men getting off. Concur with com­ munications from headquarters. Vote of thanks to steward department. ROBIN MOWBRAY (Robin Lines), Dec. 11—Cheirman, P. Guoidick; Sec­ retary, A. Smith. Ship's treasurer and secretar.v - reporter elected. Motion made and carried to collect SI from each crewmember for ship's fund. SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain), Dee. 24—Cheirman, J. Censtantin; Secretary, E. Hansen. RepairskwiU be taken care of. Vote of thanks to steward department. Ship's fund— t40.ll. Vote of thanks to deck engi­ SEATRAIN TEXAS (Seatrain Lines), neer and steward for gbod decora- Dec. L. LaSaya; Secre­ -tions of messhall. Discussion held on tary, 23—Chairman, C. Goldstein. Ship's fund—$144. union matters. No beefs. Concur with communica­ tions from headquarters. Motion ARCHERS HOPE (Cities Service), made and carried that men with time Dec. 21—Chairman, H. Meacham; Sec­ off in'-New York be paid off first. retary, D. Nelson. Washing machine Vote of thaidu to steward depart­ was repaired. TV set to be returned ment. this trip south. Ship's fund—S55.S5. Discussion - held on food. STEEL KING (Isthmian), Dec. IS— Chairman, J. Procell; Secretary, 6. BRADFORD ISLAND—(Cities Serv­ ice), Dec. 21—Chairman, Thompson; Secretary, I. Peacock. Delegates elected. Ship's fund—SS.75. Discus­ sion held on deck maintenance's over­ time. CANTIGNY (Oties Service), Dec. 24 _ —Chairman, W. Smith; Secretary, B. Slald. Ship's treasury contains S5.47. No beefs. Ship's delegate elected. Discussion held on repairs. CHICKASAW (Pan Atlaritic), Dee. 25—Chairman, P. Patterson; Secretary, D. Mitchell. No beefs. Vote of thanks for a good Christmas i Dinner pre->nared. Vote of thanks to ship's dele­ gate. Thrasher. No beefs. Ship's fund— $38.86. Concur in communication from headquarters. Men to be certain they pick up their seamen's papers before boarding ship in Beirut. Vote of thanks to baker for extra pastries put out. ARIZPA (Pan Atlantic), Dec. 3— Chairman, B. Collins; Secretary, D. Nunn. Everything running well. Con­ cur with communication from head­ quarters. Motion made and carried that all repairs and replacements be taken care of before Jsigning on next, voyage. Discussion held on necessity for new washing machine and water cooler in ..engine room. BALTOniE (Ore), Dec. 9—Chairman, B. Earl; "Secretary, R. Pevey. No CHILORE (Ore), Deq. 23—Chairman, major beefs. • Ship's fund contains R. King; Secretary, J. Johnson. No $16.50. Cbncur with communications beefs. Ship's fund—$2.98. Library to from headquarters. Suggested to buy be put aboard. More fruit needed cleanser for laundry, so that crewmembers may clean washing machine aboard. and sinks after use. CITY OF ALMA (Waterman), Nov. BENTS FORT (Cities Service), Dee. 25—Chairman, E. Stanton; Secretary, L. Pepper. Repairs needed not being 6—Chairman, L. Melanson; Secretary, L. Hagmann. Men staying on for for­ taken care of. Ship's delegate will give boarding patrolman repair list. eign voyage are to refuse to sign ar­ ticles until new washing machine is Excellent food service; Dec. 18—Chairman, G. Bales; Sec­ received aboard,. Concur with recent communications from headquarters. retary, L. Pepper. No beefs. Pantry Patrolman is to speak to mate regard­ and messhall to be kept clean. ing the way he yells at drewmembers. COEUR d'ALENE VICTORY (Vic­ CAROLYN (Bull Lines), Dec. IBtory Carriers), Nov. 14—Chairman, W. Chairman, J. Selby; Secretary, H. Fisher; Secretary, N. McGutre. Letter Thrash. Steward department rooms was sent to headquarters concerning to be painted—to be taken up with beef on fads and mattresses. Ship's patrolman. Few hours disputed over­ fund—$26.65. Concur with communi­ time. cations from headquarters. Vote of thanks given <to radio operator. More DEL ALBA (Mississippi), Dee. 3 — cooperation requested from first as­ Chairman, E. Vorel; Secretary, W. sistant. Gals. No beefs, everything in order. Ship's fund—$30.43. One man in hos­ ALCOA PATRIOT (Alcoa), Dec. 28 pital in Brazil. Concur with recent —Chairman, E. Grady; Secretary, E. communications from headquarters. Auer. Everyone -to put in for launch To have New Orleans SIU represen­ service at Barbados and Trinidad tative aboard before payoff to square since there were no company launches away painting, sanitary' conditions, for the crew. Ship's fund—$121.50. food and general welfare of ship. Few hours disputed overtime. Cpncur in communications from headquarters. ALCOA POLARIS (Alcoa), Dec. 17 Motion made and carried to get new —Chairman, R. Schwart; Secretary, converter for television set. Vote of J. Danzey. No chocolate milk. Short­ thanks to steward department. age of fresh fruit aboard. Motion car­ ried to concur in communications ALCOA PIONEER (Alcoa), De& 18 from headquartera. Motion made and —Chairman, B, Mitchell; Secretary, J. carried to .get a new. brand of coffee -Pwrsell. OnB -men missed glflp jki' Rbodrd.' "Metry ChMsUilas add Hai^Ry Mobile, .Delayed, galling -aB4' lMiB& ••••-'•'vl the shipping rules of the SIU bontract since the promulgation ahd first printing last spring. The board was set up in March, 1955, when the SIU and the oper­ ators jointly agreed to establish a seniority hiring system which would govern hiring operations under the contract. AFOUNDRIA (Waterman), Dec. 17 —Chairman, L. Moore; Secretary, S. Duda. Captain will pay crew two days' wages. Deck delegate to be' elected. Motion made and carried to accept and concur with communications from headquarters. Ship's delegate (elected. Each man to receive his own Jinen. CATHERINE (Dry-Trans), Dee. 14— Chairman, W. Newberg; secretary, F. Puglisl. Deck department foc'sles have been painted. Ship's dplegate report accepted. One man repatriated back to the United States because of illness. Ship's fund contains S23. Concur with communications . from headquarters. Mixing machine'ln gal­ ley has not been repaired. No hot wishes to Brother Tilley and earnestly water in showers. Vote of thanks to hope that the New Year finds him in steward department for excellent good health, and also extend best Thanksgiving Day Dinner. wishes to all for Christmas and New DEL RIO. (Mississippi), Dec. 4 — Year. Chairman, M. Casnueva; Secretary, R. Stough. No beefs other than man I SEAMAN (Stratford), Dee. M — performing aboard. Number of hours Chairman, R. Ayers; Secretary, E. disputeti overtime. Pappas. Cigarettes were put out in port once a week. Few men were FAIRLAND (Waterman), Dec. 11— logged; no disputed overtime. Sougee- Chairman, J. BIssomet; Secretary, 6. ing of engine department foc'sles was Seeberger. No beefs. Black gang completed. showers to be repaired. Appeals Dd. Reports On Hiring Rnle The Actions of the Appeals Board are on Page 1*. Representatives of the Union and the operators sit on the board which issues rulings whenever necessary to clarify and interpret the seniority hiring clause and settle any problenis that might arise. Examination of the actions of the board in the first ten months shows that they are routine in na­ ture. Most of them involve defini­ tions -and formal addition of new steamship companies, as they are MOBILE—Negotiations covering hundreds of shipyard and signed, to the hiring agreement. shoregang -workers here have been concluded by an agree­ Copies of the board's actions are ment providing a 12-cent hourly across-the-board for all posted in the various SIU union hands. halls. In addition, the LOG will The pact was reached fol­ shadowed the shipping picture, continue to report the actions of lowing talks between the SIU- which has been slow .with only sLx the board from time to time. affiliated Marine Allied Workers ships in the port for payoff and and the companies. Bargaining on replacements during the last two behalf of tugboat workers-is still weeks. These included the Alcoa in progress and should be com­ Clipper, Pointer and Pioneer pleted within a few days to wind (Alcoa); Monarch of the Sea and up the current round of negotia­ Claiborne (Waterman), and Steel tions for local marine crafts. Recorder (Isthmian). The Steel The contract activity easily over- Recorder was the lone in-transit visitor to the port; all the rest were payoffs. Should Be Better Expected to be somewhat better in the shipping department, the coming two weeks will offer six Resigning his command of offshore and four coastwise ships the Chester Harding, SIUeither for payoff or in transit. Meanwhile, the sympathy of manned dredge in Venezuela, Agent Cal Tanner, branch officials Captain Marvin W. Howard lauded and local Seafarers was extended the crew for their cooperative to the wife and family of Sealaror spirit. The captain expressed re­ at having to leave the vessel TAMPA — A discussion Fred Havard, former SIU steward, gret at farewell ceremonies during about practical ways to speed who died last week following a heart attack. At the time of his payment of SIU medical and hospital benefits to Seafarers' de­ death Brother Havard was on the pendents highlighted last week's SIU disability benefits' list and branch membership meeting here. had been receiving benefits regu­ Several Seafarers hit the deck to larly for about six months. The North Atlantic was In one of its mean winter moods, so the Marie Ha mill and its crew took a beati^. Photo shows some of deck cargo that was broken loose and battered by the force of the storm. Mobile MAYf Viins Shipyurd Pay Raise Harding Men Praised By Ex-Skipper Itemize Dr. Dills, Tampa Men Hear join in the discussion. It was agreed that the best procedure to follow was to make sure that all claims submitted to the Welfare Plan are itemized for simplicity. Bills from a doctor or surgeon for medical or .surgical care should list the type' of operation per­ formed and specify the number of visits made to the patient's home or hospitail. In tills way, Agent Tom Banning pointed out, payment can be ap­ proved quickly and checks sent out to the families involved with­ out delay. Slow Shipping: The slack shipping of recent weeks, meanwhile, show no signs of letting up, as the port went tlu'ough a full two-week period without a single payoff or sign-on. Only sign of life on the shipping front was caused by. the arrival of eight in-transit vessels, including the DeSoto, Chickasaw, »lbervllle (Pan Atlantic); Alcoa Bunner and Pointer (Alcoa); Chiwawa (Cities Service), and Del Valle and Del Viento (Mississippi). "They took only eight replacements between them, however, averaging one man pe-r ihip. The oiitipol; Is equally Sdor; Honor Admiral Shepheard Industry, government and union representatives in maritime joined in honoring Rear Admiral Halert C. Shepheard, US Coast Guard, at a testimonial dinner in New York recently. Admiral Shepheard is retiring from active duty. He has been associated with the maritime industry in various phases since 1919. Admiral Shepheard has had a lengthy record of Interest in and concern with merchant marine safety matters. He was in the Steamboat Inspection Service from 1924 until. 1542, and when the Coaist Guard took over maritime matters, he became chief of mer­ chant marine safety activities. The admiral has been long popu­ lar with all sections of the mari­ time industry. It is widely agreed that his services will be missed at the Office of Merchant Marine Safety and on the Merchant Mar­ ine (Council of the Coast Guard. Captain Marvin Howard which crewmembers presented him with an Omega watch. The ship has been in Venezuela for one year. The crew's gift to the captain was, as Keith Forster, ship's dele­ gate put it, "in appreciation of his patience and kindness. It is our belief that of all the eaptains that have sailed the seven seas, no one can excell him for his humanity." Channel Dredger The Harding is one of two Con­ struction Aggregates dredges which have been cutting a deep sea chan­ nel for tankers which will permit them to go directly to Maracaib* for their oil cwrcoes. J �* 5 Pace Eight mr IK;- • Iff.' m If, f It:- l«';. I^ \s I'" SEAFARERS LOG Fd). S, 1956 Digest of Bonner Committee Report During 1955 a proposal was made by Congressman Herbert Bonner, head of the House Merchant Marine Committee, that sea wages be frozen and a super maritime hoard he set up to boss the im dustry^s labor-management relations. A Congressional hearing was held on the proposal. The SIU md all other maritime unions—stepped forward immediately in protest and offered instead its , 84TH CmonM HOCSE OF BEPRESENTATTVES Baratr , edSeuion No. 1658 position on the matter of labor-management relations in this industry. The committee has now issued an interim report, shelving for the moment the proposed wage freeze and calling for more hearings later. The committee also made a sizable number of recom­ mendations. These have been dealt with by Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall in a letter to the committee UBOR-MANAOEMENt PROBLEMS OF THE AMERICAN chairman. (See page 5.) Here are excerpts from testimony by SIU officials and committee^s report. MERCHANT MARINE mitted by the lines in connection with payment of opFrom the reporf's comments oa the tes­ erating subsidy. This obligation extends to all items for JANIIMT It, ItML—Committed to tko C«m9ltlM of Ik* Wkolt ilo' >Mlk* timony of SIU of NA president Harry which subsidy is paid, wages, subsistence, repairs, in*: 6ut« of tin VoioD ud ordered to be fxiBted -surance, and maintenance. The mere fact that the item Lundeberg: of expense is covered by a contract or collective bargain­ Mr. BONNER, from the CommittM oa Merchtm Mvine uiil FiiiiMr. Lundeberg voiced objection to the staff proposal ing agreement does not jpso facto, make it fair and rea­ triM, tubmitted th« fonowing to establish a labor disputes board for the maritime in­ sonable. ' dustry. Basically, the objection was that the legislation (c) In the absence of a proper job evaluation study REPORT would insert the Government as a party in all bargain­ by the Maritime Administration pursuant to obligations (Puroutot to H. Ree. lit, (4th Caii|.| ing negotiations and that the Government would be forc­ imposed upon it by section 603 (b), the committee finds ing adjustments of disputes. Reference also was made it difficult^to reach any firm conclusion with respectrto The Committer on'Merchint Mirine tnd Fuheriahu tdopted and ordered reported the'following report on ihembject of I«bw4ntn*ge. to the existence of the Federal Mediation and Concilia­ the level of wages in the maritime industry. The evi­ ment problem*of the^Amer«Ntn mercbaot mtrine.. tion Service which should accomplish the results aimed dence now of record would indicate that base wagespOT: iNTRopocnoN at in the staff proposal . . . the various classifications of officers and crews andtthe Mr. Lundeberg also expressed opposition to HR 5734, hourly rates for longshore work are not excessive. i|oic^reuant tO the authority conferred by House Resolution 118, 84lh Congress, 1st session, the Committee on Merchant Marine and " principally on the grounds that the proposed bill was ever, the area which seems to be open to questiorjf in­ Fisheries conducted an .investigation , and study of the problema of an infringement on the free collective-bargaining rights volves the matter of overtime and penalty pay prouifions the American merchant marine. Public hearings were held by the u—zo f fS «iut on July 21, 1955. granted to American workers by Congress. lie denied of the contracts. ^tu^ also the right of the Federal Maritime Board to deter­ See MSTS Favoritism by providing stability, certainty and continuity of serv­ mine that the wage item in the subsidy bill was fair and (d) The civilian marine personnel of the Military Sea ice. A sound American merchant marine can exist and reasonable, on the grounds that whatever was determined Transportation Service are in a particularly favored posi­ between labor and management in the collective bar­ tion by reason of receipt of benefits both under the in­ thrive with the united help of responsible union leaders, gaining process was by its very nature fair and rea.sonable. dustry coliective bargaining agreements as well as under enlightened management, and intelligent Government as­ sistance. the civil service and other laws applicable to Govern­ From the report's comments on the testi­ ment (c) It is r«cognized that serious problems exii^t in employees. connection with the longshore situation in New York (e) Legislative'measures to correct tbe basic defi­ mony of Paul Hall, Secretary-Treasurer, ciencies outlined in this report may eventually become Harbor. SIU, A&G District: imperative in the public interest, Whether with or without Digest of Recommendations by the Mr. Hall emphasized the fact that relations beween his the support of labor and/or management. However, con­ particular union and the employers served by that union sidering the relatively recent beginning of collective bar­ Committee were extremely good. Generally speaking, these particu­ gaining in the maritime industry, the interruption caused 1. The president of the AFL-CIO should exert all pos­ lar steamship companies indicated satisfaction with ex­ by the war, the sincerity displayed by both sides in ap­ sible and proper influence to work out a unified labor isting labor relations involving their companies and ex­ pearances before the committee, and the measures which approach on the part of the seagoing unions. pressed the view that additional legislation was not nec­ legally can be—but have not heretofore been taken ad­ 2. The Maritime Administrator should call a conference essary. The basis ingredient of good marilime labor ministratively under existing law—it is the conclusion of labor and management leaders in the maritime in­ relationships, said Mr. Hall, is good faith on both sides. of the committee not to report out or take other action dustry. Specific consideration should be given to: Questioned Government's Right at this time on the several proposals which were con­ Seek Industry Umpire He opposed the bill which would authorize the Mari­ sidered and discussed during the hearings. (a) Proposing the establishment of an umpire system time Board to establish wages for subsidy purposes on in the industry. Maritime should not attempt to dictate the grounds that it was in violation of principles of Report's Comments on Management or even to suggest the appointee or the functions to be democracy. He expressed the belief that Government (a) A lack of Cooperation and cohesion among man­ performed by him. This should be strictly a matter of was no more justified in fixing the amount of wages for agement, particularly on the west coast, has resulted in mutual agreement between tabor and management. subsidy purposes in the maritime industry than it would giving labor an imbalance of power that is neither justi­ (b) Securing the consent of labor and management to be in prescribing amounts which a farmer could pay for fied nor conducive to a healthy industry. the eventual establishment of common termination dates his necessary expenses in connection with the grant by The circumstances leading up to and obtaining during for collective-bargaining agreements in the industry. the Government of farm subsidies. the 1948 and 1952 strikes are illustrative. Divergence of 3. The Maritime Administration should immediately es? Mr. Hall was particularly critical of the subsidy pro­ economic interests is not the real cause nor sufficient tablish an office devoted to maritime labor costs and gram as it is presently prescribed by law and admin­ justificatir 4 for the backbiting, side dealing, and inde­ labor relations. istered by the Maritime Administration. pendence of action which is, and for years Has been, 4. Immediate steps should be taken by tlie Federal "I personally think that in many instances subsidies prevalent on the west coast. When shipping company Maritime Board to establish procedures under which de­ ' themselves, as they are now applied, have done nothing officials fail to act with good<^aith in dealing with each terminations will be made that amounts paid out by the in some instances but put a premium on incompetence. other, they can hardly expect to gain the confidence and Government pursuant to operating-differential subsidy J think subsidies in many instances have either made or respect of labor. contracts are "fair and reasonable" within the meaning allowed some people who receive them in the present Management Called Shortsighted of section 603 (b) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as system to become either very weak or very careless." ' (b) Many top management officials of shipping com­ amended. At the same time, Mr. Hall did support the theory of Want Study Of Subsidy Pay panies have failed to appreciate the tremendous impor­ subsidy. In general, he seemed to favor subsidizing all 5. In its consideration of amounts reimbursed under shipping companies on the basis of the minimum amount tance of good labor relations to the successful and ef­ subsidy contracts for wages paid to officers and crews, of Government money necessary to keep an efficiently- ficient operation of their companies. . (c) There is some evidence of a lack of foresight and the Maritime Board shall make a completely independent run company operating at a profit. long-range planning on the part "of management in the determination that the amounts paid are fair and reason­ of collective bargaining agreements. able under the istatute. Particular attention should be From the conclusion in the committee's negotiation (d) The weakness of some management and manage­ directed to penalty or overtime payments. report: ment groups has been the prime factor in permitting 6. Maritime should institute at once a job evaluation The American merchant marine today does not meet unions successfully to whipsaw the companies as be­ study designed to appraise the existing level'of wages for officers and crews aboard American-flag vessels. the standards nor possess the characteristics set forth tween rival unions on the same coast. (f) The maritime industry has lagged far behind other 7. Maritime should also undertake a thorough study of In the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. The committee is convinced that these deficiencies are the result of a com­ major industries in the development of 9 sound collec­ the longshore situation throughout the United States. bination of factors and that neither labor costs nor labor tive-bargaining process. The fact that some companies Compilation Of Wage Statistics operate with the aid of a Government subsidy while relations are the sole causes. ' 8. The Maritime Administration should gather, com­ The committee does believe that much can he done others do not may have contributed to the inability of pile, and release periodically tmge data pertaining to to effect improvement in the field of labor costs and the industry to adapt itself to a proper wage negotiation longshoremen and seamen similar to that released for labor relations. The obligation to do this does not, procedure. shoreside industries by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. however, rest solely with any one group. Management, 9. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service government and labor each have a large stake in this Report's Comments on Labor should undertake to strengthen that part of the staff (a) Some union leaders have permitted personality ; concerned with labor disputes in the maritime industry. industry and each have a proportionate share of re­ conflicts and animosities to influence decisions to the It should be recognized that this particular industry is sponsibility .... detriment in the long run of not only the American mer­ beset with conditions and problems requiring personnel See Start Toward Solution chant marine and the national defense of the United with training and experience in the maritime field. Of course, the job is not finished. A start has been made and some of the problems to be solved have been States, but even the welfare of their own membership. 10. The Military Sea Transportation Service should re(b) Many union leaders are beginning to exercise study the pay and allowances of its civilian marine per­ brought into focus. The conclusions and recommenda­ tions adopted in this report are designed to carry the tolerance arid moderation in the discharge of their re­ sonnel and make such recommendations to the Congress effort one step forward. . . . The Merchant Marine Com­ sponsibilities. for legislative action as may be deemed warranted and (c) The lack of ships and Jobs for American seamen appropriate. mittee is pledged to do its part. raises the question as to whether union leaders have in­ '11. The management officials of the shipping industry sisted upon overmanning and other featherbedding prac­ on all three coasts of the United States should give Report's Comments on Government (a) The Maritime Administration and its predecessor tices. The longshore industry is in the same position, thorough consideration to measures designed to effect agency have failed to devote adequate attention to labor- at least in some areas. This policy, if it obtains, must closer cooperation and liaison in connection with the ne­ be regarded as unbound. gotiation of collective bargaining agreements. management relations in the maritime industry. Labor Can Provide Stability Revamp Management Attitude Blame Maritime Administration (b) The Maritime Administration has failed to carry (d) While the maritime labor picture does have flaws 12.Each major steamship company should have an of­ out its responsibility with respect to the determination and deficiencies, the union leaders with the help of Gov­ ficial on the high executive level whose duties will be that items for which subsidy is paid are "fair and rea­ ernment and the cooperation of management are today in concerned primarily with labor relations. sonable." It is the duty of the Administration under a position to pefrform a great service to the country. 13. Maritime union leaders shoilld make a renewed section 603 (b) of the 1936 act to disallow for subsidy They have it within their power to strengthen the mer-. . effort to adjust their differences in the-interest of the purpose any excessive amounts included in bills. sub- chont marine not at the sacrifice of their membership, but ^ American merchant marine. ; < :. , Umoo. Cafendar No.t67 �' BEATAKERS Feb. LOG flU Family Life In New Orleans Pare Nine M A Amends Easy Transfer Policy WASHINGTON—Under fire for its new easy transfer pol­ icies on tankers, the Maritime Administration has issued a new ruling to make it slightly harder for owners to transfer their tonnage to runaway-fflags. However, it refused to immediately for a promise to build order a halt to the runaways. a new US-fiag ship. Under the new policy statement issued by Clarence G. Morse, Mari­ time Administrator, a tanker will have to be in the possession of any one owner for six months before it can be transferred. The ruling is designed to put a stop to tanker "sales" to dummy corporations for the purpose of transferring more tonnage than allowed by the MA. Must Let Contract In addition, the owners must commit themselves to construct a new vessel and cannot transfer their old T-2s until such time as a contract has been let for a new US ship. The policy will apply to all applications now under consid­ eration. Previously the Maritime Admin­ istration had permitted a number of operators to transfer two T-2s A greater sense of security for herself end the children while her Seafarer-husband is away at sea is what makes the hos­ pital-surgical benefits "the most wonderful part" of the SlU Welfare Plan, in the view of Mrs. Lloyd L. Blanchard of New Orleans. With her (I to rl are Lloyd. Jr., 6; Leslie, 5; Lisa, I, and Laraine, 11. The.Blanchards recently collected $156 un­ der the plan when Laraine had to undergo an emergency ap­ pendectomy. The whole family joined in the holiday festivities enjoyed by Seafarers In New Orleans when Mr. and Mrs. Al Nasser, and Al, Jr., I, attended the SlU dinner. Junior had eyes only for the photographer, however. 'Stfll Best In West' Is Seattle Shipping Boast SEATTLE—-Running true io form, this port proved to be one of the few SIU branches that held its own in the ship­ ping department during the last two weeks, as district-wide shipping slumped. The fact that it was able to and Raphael Semmes (Waterman) do this in spite of the diver­ paid off and signed on again, along sion of a couple of expected with the Alice Brown. payoffs to other ports was all the more encouraging. The diversions to San Francisco and Wilmington, although expected, made no dent In the good shipping currently be­ ing enjoyed here. Extra Payoffs Two unannounced payoffs com­ bined with the scheduled arrival of the Alice Brown (Bloomfield) to bolster local activity,' which also included six in-transit vessels. Both the Western Trader (Western) The in-transit visitors were the Alimar, Yorkmar, Calmar (Calr mar); Afoundrla, Maiden Creek (Waterman) and Coeur d'Alene Victory (Victory Carriers). On the docket for the present period are two payoffs, the Mankato Victory (Victory Carriers) and Robin Kettering (Seas Shipping), as well as several ships in transit. Shipping for men registered in group one of the steward depart­ ment remains slow, however. Agent Jeff,Gillette cautioiiedi< SF Shipping Hoiding Up An on-the-ball ship's delegate is Seafarer Neill Abernathy on the Alcoa Roamer. Abernathy has handled the dele­ gate's job on a SAN FRANCISCO — Al­ few trips and has though no payoffs are sched­ been rated very uled here right now, Sea­ highly by his farers should still be able to enjoy shipmates for his good shipping out of this area for efficient services. the next few weeks. Since the arrival of shipping The number of Abernathy from the Far East is generally un­ compliments lav­ ished on SIU steward departments predictable, few can say with any during the holiday season is legion, certainty what the West Coast but it would be hard to top the shipping picture will be at a given Stony Creek's estimate of chief time. But it is safe to say that the steward Paulos Vourderis and his future looks fairly bright in this crew. "This ship is one of the port. Port Agent Leon Johnson finest feeders in the fleet," a added. In-transit shipping always crewmcniber writes about Vour­ holds the balance here, he pointed out. deris. During the past two weeks, both Among departments who are the Beauregard and Wild Ranger content to rest their laurels on their cookery are the men on the paid off and signed on for Water­ Steel Worker who put out a "splen­ man, taking quite a few replace­ did outlay of abundant and delec­ ments, and the remainder of the shipping was accounted for by a table holiday vittles"; chief stew­ ard Dave Furman of the Ocean flock of in-transits, nine all told. These were the Steel Vendor, Nimet who rated a hand for "ex­ Steel Navigator (Isthmian); Calmar cellent menus and good service; and Carlos Diaz, chief steward, and (Calmar); Kyska, Bienville, La Frank Judah, chief cook of the Salle, Maiden Creek, Wacosta Oceanstar for their "excellent (Waterman), and Alice Brown (Bloomfield). Beefs were at a min­ food." imum on all of them. -Last but far from least Is chief steward Joseph Powers of the Western Trader for the "wonder­ ful" Christmas menu and Eddie Caudill, baker of the same ship. ^ ^ Getting back to shoreslde, the January 11 mem­ bership meetings saw rank and file Seafarers h a n dling the gavel In a number of ports. J. J. Levine was chair­ man In Balti­ more, A. H. Smith ih Savannah, A. Degen G. Alexander in Lake Charles, E. Degen, In Hous­ ton, J. Nunn in Wilmington and C. M. Rice in Seattle. Others serv­ ing in meeting Jobs were C. Wig­ gins and W. Whitfurd, Boston; G. C. Rose and J. E. ROM, Baltimore; C. E. Mosley, Savannah; A. Hous­ ton, Mobile; K. G. Sanford, Lake Charles; R. Wilbur, Houston; E. Thornos, San Francisco; R. Graf, Wilmington and A.^; Q. WtfUams. is^ttle. , An agents conference will be held by the Marine Firemen's Union in San Francisco, beginning February 6th. The conference will take up the question of locating a new headquarters building for the union, to replace the existing building which will come down under a highway construction pro­ gram. , t Ore Transport Lines has con­ cluded a wage reopener with the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers calling for another week's paid vacation and a $1 a day contribu­ tion to the BME's new pension fund. The agreement follows the pattern set in BME negotiations with its other contracted oper­ ators. The new policy does not stop tht outflow of tankers to runaway flags where they will offer low-cost com­ petition to US-flag ships. Even new US supertankers will b« forced to lay-up ahead of foreignflag T-28 if the tanker market slackens. The deaths of the following Sea­ farers have been reported to the' Seafarers Welfare Plan and the SIU death benefit is being paid to their beneficiaries: Richard Lowitz, 55: Brother Lowitz was taken off the Amerocean in Hamburg, Germany, suf­ fering from a heart attack while serving as wiper, and died in the General Hospital there on Decem­ ber 12, 1955. He Is survived by his wife, Elvera Lowitz, of Balti­ more, Md. ' t. t. Joseph G. Thornton, 57: Brother Thornton died of asphyxiation in the Mercy Hos­ pital in Balti­ more, Maryland, on December 27, 1955. Burial took place in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Newman, Georgia. • Brother Thorn­ ton had been a member of the Union since 1955, joining in the Port of Baltimore and sailing in the steward department. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Ina Elizabeth Yates, of Newman, Ga. t 4" 4- Eugene C. Brundage, 65: On the 25th of December Brother Brund­ age died in Jamaica, New York. Burial took place in the Long Is­ land National Cemetery, Pinelawn, New York. Brother Brundage had been sailing under the SIU flag in the engine department since 1943 when he joined the union in New York. He is survived by his wife, Sophia C. Brundage of Ja­ maica, New York. against a dozen towing and barge operations. The strike followed 2Vi months of fruitless negotiations on a new agreement. It is being sup­ ported by all SIU affiliates in the bay area. 4- 4" 4 4" New tanker talks are getting underway between the Sailors Union of the Pacific and major tanker operators including Union Oil, Standard Oil, Tidewater, Gen­ eral Petroleum and Richfield. The SUP has already signed the Joshua Hendy tankers to a new agreement. 4" Demands for an hourly wags system have been placed before the Canadian Lakecarriers Asso­ ciation by the SIU Canadian Dis­ trict in the opening of 1956 con­ tract negotiations. The Canadian 4" t A strike has been called by the Seafarers have already won the Inlandboatmen'a .Union of the Pa- hourly wage in some West Coast . oifio in . San.. Francisco harbor deep.sea operations �:y:^''\' l»are TM ^•::i SEAFARERS Actions By Seafarers The Seafarers Appeals Board, which was established as part of the contract between the SlU and its contracted operators, has met and token the following actions since the pro­ mulgation and first printing lost Spring. . ACTION NUMBER 2 The Seafarers Appeals Board, acting under and pursuant to the authority contained in the collective bargaining agreements between the Union and various Employers, hereby takes the following action; (a) In order to clarify the intent of the partiefl^with respect to the accumulation of seniority, rule 1 (I) is amended to read as follows: 'HI). Seniority shall be calculated on the basis of employment , without regard to department (deck, engine or stewardl. without prejudice, however, to the application of any other rule contained herein." (b> The annexed application blank is to be given to all applicants who appear to be within the Class "C" seniority rating, the final determination, however, to be made upon the appropriate filling out of the questionnaire, submission of two passport photos, and reason­ able verification of the contents thereof. (c) The Arthur Steamship Corp. of 120 Wall Street. New York City, is hereby added to Exhibit A annexed to the collective bar­ gaining agreement. (d) The action taken pursuant to letter of Max Harrison,' dated March 7, 19.75, is hereby labelled action No. 1. (e) Max Harrison is unanimously designated as Chairman of the Seafarers Appeals Board. Dated; March 18. 1955. ACTION NUMBER 3 The Seafarers Appeals Board, acting under and pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various employers, hereby takes the following action: (a) Ship & Freight. Inc.. 17 Battery Place, New York, fity. New York, is hereby added to Exhibit A annexed to the collective bar­ gaining agreement, pursuant to Art. I, Sec. 8 (f) of the said agree­ ment. (b) The Board construes the provision in the agreement and ship­ ping rules with respect to "service with the armed forces of the United States" as not intended to include actual service for which less than a discharge under honorable conditions was given. (c) The Board further construes the aforesaid military service clause as requiring an appraisal of what seniority the seaman would have had but for the performance of his military obligations, this in a manner consistent with the liberal purpose of the statute. ' (d) The Seafarers Appeals Board will recognize, with respect to a particular company, specific provisions set forth in the contract between such company and the Union. (e> The Board construes that part of Sec. 8 (fi 3 of Art. I, dealing with transportation, not to preclude the collection of transportation moneys, in the event these moneys are properly earned under the transportation clause of the agreement, by seamen with a Class "B" or Class "C" rating. It is only when Class "B" and Class "C" seamen leave a vessel for seniority reasons that transportation shall not be payable. (f) Rhle 2 (F) of the shipping rules is amended to read as follows: "F. No seaman shall be .allowed to register on more than one list (department), and in not more than one group, as hereinafter set forth. No seaman shall be shipped out on a job off a list (depart­ ment! other than that on which he is registered, except under emergency circumstances, such as insuring against a vessei sailing short in a department. - No seaman shall be shipped out on a job outside the group in which he is registered, except as specifically set forth' herein. The following are the groups within the lists (departments), in which classified seamen may register. Within one list (department), those possessing a higher seniority rating may take priority in the obtaining of jobs .over those with lesser seniority rating even when not registered in the same group, subject, however, to the pro­ visions of Rule 4 (c). The following is a breakdown of the list (department) group: DECK DEPARTMENT (iroup i—Day Workers Bosun. Bosun's Mate. Carpenter, Deck Maintenance, WatchmanDay Work, Storekeeper. Group II—Rated Watch Standers Quartermaster, Able Seaman, Car Deckman, Watchman—Standing Watches. Group III—Ordinaries on Watch ENGINE DEPARTMENT Croup 1 Chief Electrician, 2nd Electrician, Unlicensed Jr. Eng'r.—Day Work, Unlicensed Jr. Eng'r.—Watch, Plumber-Machinist, Chief Refrigeration Eng'r., 1st, 2nd, 3rd Refrigeration Eng'r., Chief Store­ keeper, Evaporator Maintenance Man, Pumpman, 1 and 2, Engine Maintenance. ^ Group 11 Deck Engineer. Engine Utility. Oiler—Diesel, Oiler—Steam, Water- ^ B A n A RER. S Wiper. Group III. STEWARDS DEPARTMENT Group I—Rated Men .'t cniief Steward-Passenger. 3nd Steward-Passenger, Steward, fllief. Chief Cook, Night Cook and Baker. 2nd Cook and Baker. Croup II ; Second Cook and 3rd Cook. -''• i ;: <3roup III—Messmen Utility Messman, Messman. (g) All disputes placed before the Board shall be given an appro* priate file number in the following form: SAB-l-NY, to represent the Seafarers Appeals Board, the number of the dispute, and the initials of the port in which it arose. All other matters involving individuals shall be designated In accordance with the following example, "SAB-Jones-Misc.." to indi­ cate the last name of the person involved and that it is a miscel­ laneous Seafarers Appeals Board matter. All application for information, for advisory opinions or rules, and all other miscellaneous matters, requiring Seafarers Appeals Board attention, shall be referred to the Chairman of the Seafarers Appeals Board, who shall make such replies as he deems appropriate. All actions taken by the Board shall be displayed on all Union bulletin boards and request made for the Seafarers Log to publish the same therein. As soon as mimeographed copies of the rules and actions taken by the Board, are available (the Union having agreed to furnish same, as soon as possible), the Chairman shall notify the companies of this availability and shall dispatch copies thereof when so • requested. Dated: April B, 1935. ACTION NUMBER 4 ^ plation 'thereof) ^ ,dUl3r'-...ieoBsatlited eourts and administratlva agencies to the extent' appUiiible to its functions, without prejudice, however, to any legal right to contest the same. Within these limits, actions taken by -the Union or the Employers, as a result of pro­ ceedings to which any governmental body or agency Is a party, wUl be presumed to be. permitted through the exercise of this Board's power and right to make elaborative rules and regulations, lii which event, however, notification of the action taken shall be sent to the Board, which reserves the right to take ether, further and different action thereon as may be appropriate. Dafe^: June 29. 1955. ACTION NUMBER 19 ' Tha Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to. the ' eoUeetive bargaining agreement between the Union' and various employers, hereby takes the. foUowing action: (a).Tnihs Oceanic'Marine, Inc., 39 East 51st. Street, New York. New Yoiki .is hereby added to Exhibit A annexed to the coUective bar­ gaining agreement. Dated: July 18, 1955. ACTION NUMBER II The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to. the collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various employers, hereby takes the following action: The Seafarers Appeals Board considers that its jurisdiction, pur­ suant to the contract made between the Union and the various employers, is limited, in the case of individual seamen, to hearing and deciding appeals by seamen from a claimed deprivation of ship­ ping rights or seniority at the hiring hall level. It considers that it does not have jurisdiction to take action with respect to depriving an individual seaman of his right to ship, regardless of the source of the request to do so and the grounds set forth in the said request. However, this action is to be deemed in no way to prejudice any company under its contract with the Union. Dated: September 8, 1955. The Seafarers Appeals Board, acting under and puc^uant, to tho ACTION NUMBER 13 collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to. the employers, particularly Section 8(f) thereof, hereby takes the fol­ collective bargaining' agreement between the Union and various lowing action; Employers, hereby takes the following action: The phrase, "employment - taken at the behest of, the Union." appearing in Section 8(f> of tfaq standard hiring clause, shall be con­ - (a) A .new rule 4(d) shall be added"to the. Joint shipping rules strued so as to include within the scope thereof, schooling taken as follows: by seamen at the behest of the Union. "(d) The five major ports are declared to be New York, Baltimore. All seamen who receive scholarships from the Seafarers Welfaim Mobile, New Orleans, and San Francisco. In halls other than those Plan and who attend school pursuant thereto shall be deemed to therein located, if three (3) calls for a job do not produce a (qualified have taken schooling at the behest of the Union. seaman possessing a Class "A" or Class "B" seniority rating, the Dated: May 13, 1955. Job shall be placed in suspense but only with respect to Class "A" ACTION NUMBER 5 and Class "B" personnel who are registered for shipping, and not with respect to Class "C" personnel. The nearest major port shall The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to, tho be notified, and the suspended job offered there. A qualified Class collective bargaining agreement between the Union and varioue "A" or Class "B" seaman (in that order) in the major port so employers, hereby takes the following action: notified shall have the right to bid for these Jobs but only within (a) Exhibit A, attached to and part of the new hiring clause of the remaining five (5) job calls. In the event these jobs are not bid the standard agreement, omits, by virtue of a stenographic "or other for, that seamen with a Class^'T^!" seniority rating, otherwise entitled unintentional error, the name of the Calmar Steamship Corporation. under these rules and registered in the notifying port, shall be Quite obviously, Calmar Steamship Corporation should have appeared assigned the job. This rule shall not be applied so as to cause a oh~Exhibit A. As a matter of fact, it is one of the largest companies vessel to sail shorthanded or late, and shall not be deemed to under contract to" the Union; it is a party to the Seafarers "Vacation require any Eknployer to pay transportation by virtue of the transfer Plan; it is a party to the Seafarers Welfare Plan; and it has been of the Job call. The provisions of Rule 4(c> shall be. subordinate in contractual relations with the Union for a considerable number hereto." of years. Further, there is no question but that typographical and Dated: October 4. 1955. human errors in compiling the list were not intended to result in an exclusion, and the consequent need for a renegotiation of tha ACTION NUMBER 11 contract to remedy such errors. For these reasons, the Seafarers The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to. tha Appeals Board construes Exhibit A. annexed to the hiring clause, collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various as containing the name of Calmar Steamship Corporation ab initio Employers, hereby takes the following action: and will take the same action should other unintended omissions (a) Rule 5F is redesignated Rule 5G. appear. Dated: May 24, 1955. (b) A new rule SF shall be added to the shipping rules as follows: -ACTION NUMBER t "F. (1) Within each class of seniority, preference for the job of Bos'n shall be given those seamen who have sailed as AB for at The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to, ths least 3 years with one or more of the companies listed in the afore­ collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various employers, hereby takes the following action: . mentioned Appendix A. (2) Within each class of seniority, preference for the Job of Chief . (a) The Alba Steamship Corp., 120 WaU Street, New York, New Electrician shall be given those seamen who have sailed for at least York, is hereby added to Exhibit A annexed to the collective bar­ 3 years in the Engine Department, including at least one year as gaining agreement. Second Electrican, with one or more of the companies listed in the Dated: June 2, 1955. aforementioned Appendix A. ACTION NUMBER 7 (3) Within each class of seniority, preference for tha Job of The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to. ths Steward shall be given those seamen who have sailed for at least collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various 3 years in the Steward's Department in a rating above that of 3rd employers, hereby takes the following action: Cook, with one or more of the companies listed in the aforemen­ (a) The Ventura Steamship Co. (Trans-Oceanic Marine Inc., Agents), tioned Appendix A." is hereby added to Exhibit A annexed to the collective bargaining Dated: November 29. 1955. agreement. Dated: June 10, 1953. ACTION NUMBER 14 ACTION NUMBER • The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to. t)ie collective bargaining agreement between the Union and varioiu The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under, and pursuant to. the Employers, hereby takes the following action: collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various employers, hereby takes the following • action: "The Seafarers Appeals- Board considers that is Jurisdiction under (a) The Ace Steamship Corporation, 120 WaU Street, New York. the collective bargaining agreement in effect between the Seafarers New York, is hereby added to Exhibit A annexed to tho coUectivs International Union of North America, Atlantic and Gulf District bargaining agreement. and various Employers, does not encompass jurisdiction to take action Dated; June 20. 1955. with respect to disputes over discharges of seamen by Employers, and that such disputes can be dealt with upon compliance with tha ACTION NUMBER 9 conditions set forth in the said agreement, in accordance with the The Seafarers Appeals Board is bound to and wlU recognize and grievance procedure therein set forth." honor decrees and orders (as well as settlements made in contemDated: January 8. 1956. R. Kienast. Crewmembers to make list of desired items from slopchest. Chief mate will order same. Any man with medical slip from USPHS may pay off in San Juan. Concur with communications from headquarters. Ship's delegate elected. ARIZPA (Pan Atlantic), Dec. 17— Chairman, B. Collins; Secretary, M. Olvera. Everything running smoothly. Munne. Beef on ship's doctor. Ship's fund—$374.09. Concur in communica­ tions from headquarters. Ship's chair­ man elected. Ship's chairman to check on port time. Secretary-re­ porter elected. STEEL RECORDER (Isthmian), Dec. 12—Chairman, Bruten; Secretary, E. Johnston. One AB taken off vessel for medical treatment. No beefs. Dis­ puted delayed sailing—Singapore. MICHAEL (Carres), Jan. 2—Chair­ man, J. P. Schilling; Secretary, W. Langford. Contracted patrolman in Boston about mattresses to be picked up in Corpus Christi, Texas. STEEL WORKER (Isthmian), Nov. 24—Chairman, E. Smith; Secretary, M. Watson. Pictures of crew on last trip mailed to headquarters. Departments going along smoothly. Motion carried to concur In communications from headquarters. SUZANNE (Bull Lines), Dec. 19— Chairman, R. Broomhead; Secretary, •H. Orlando. No beefs. Some disputed overtime. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Delegates elected. New washing machine was received in New Orleans. Concur in .communi­ cations from headquarters. Ship's deiegate elected. Old washing ma­ chine to be kept for greasy ^lothes. • 5// Board tender. Fireman-Watertender, Fireman. ALCOA ROAMER (Alcoa), Dec. 4— Chairman, N. Abernathy; Secretary, ; r- . r«b. s. t«st LOG CALMAR (Calmar), Dec. 11—Chair­ man, J. McClone; Secretary, T. Jack­ son. Food beef aboard. Ship's dele­ gate thanked crew for money do­ nated to Brother Jack Sarett who was Injured by car. Ship's fund—$7.86. No beefs, some disputed oveirtime. Concur with communications from headquarters. Motion made and car­ ried to contact patrolman and straight­ en out chow beef. OfL MAR JMISilsslppI), Dee. | , ehairmAn/,..0. Cglbihan; Secretarif, ALCOA PILGRIM (Alcoa), Dec. 19— Chairman, L. Brllhart; Secretary H. Sedgeway. No beefs. Ship's fund— $7.90. Everything okay. Ship's dele­ gate elected. Discussion held on wash­ ing machine. ALCOA PLANTER (Alcoa), Dec. 91 —Chairman, G. Fargo; Secretary R. Graham. Ship's delegate is to see about launch service and late draws. Ship's fund—91.75. No beefs; some disputed overtime to be taken care of in New York. Concur in communica­ tions from headquarters. MC KETTRICK HILLB (Western Tankers), Jan. 9—Chairman, 9. Fulfors; Secretary, B. Padgett. Everything running smoothly with exception . of one beef. Ship's fuad-G3.60. Vote of thanks given to steward department., Question of lodging and subsistenca was discussed. Delegates was asked to separate items to bo requisitioned from repair lists. ALCOA RANGER (Alcoa), Dec. 22— Chairman, W. Jenkins; Secratary, E. Tesko. Ship's treasurer elected. No beefs. Ship's delegate elected. Steward requested that all soiled linen bs turned in. ALCONKIN (Marina Transport), Dee. 20 — Chairman, Fleming; Secretary, Schlavone. Water shortage aboard. Some disputed overtime. Committee to write a letter to SlU headquarters about general condition aboard ship. Captain complained of poor laundry; rest of the vessel is filthy because of water shortage. Beef about draw to be brought up at payoff. ALMENA (Pan Atlantic), Dec. 21— Chairman, E. Hariss; Secretary, W. Welch. Few minor beefs. Live steam Issuing forth from hot water spigots was considered extremely hazardous. To inform patrolman of this situation. ANGELINA (Bull Lines), Dec. 24— Chairman, T. Larsen; Secretary, J. Engles. Ship's treasury contains 914. Discussion held on food; requested sopie changes to be made. Repair list to be turned tai. ATLANTIC WATER (Metro), Dee. 19 —Chairmen, D. Stone; Secretary J. Hollen. Most repairs had been com­ pleted. Patrolman to clarify some sec­ tions of the agreement. Letter . from SlU headquarters regarding American money was read. Travelers checks be­ ing placed aboard next trip. To start ship's fund by donating 91. Medicine chest to be Inspected by someone who is competent. BRADFORD ISLAND (Cities Service), Dec. 4—Chairman R. Lyie; Secretary, T. Doty. Repairs to be taken care of. Disputed overtime will be cleaned up. Ship's treasurer elected. Motion made and carried' that 91.50 be donated to ship's, funil,. Vote of thanks glvfitijjof steward department for fine chow. holiday CAROLYN (Bull Lines), Jan. 1 — Chairman, M, Cross; Secretary, W, Ludlam. Everything running smooth. No beefs except for few hours dis­ puted overtime. Discussion held on delayed sailing. To check on getting TV set. CHESTER HARDING (Const. Aggreg.), Dec. IB—Chairman, E. TIrellir Secretary, D. Mullvany. Report from company that ship will go to Maracaibo for 24 hours for Christmas holi­ day. Verbal message relayed from slop chest, that all members having outstanding accounts try to' settle same. No beefs. Motion made and carried that no further shipboard prembtions from one department- to an­ other be aUowed. COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Service), Dee. 19—Chairman, H. Shortges; Sec­ retary, W. Cunningham. Discussion held on repair list. Ship's delegate elected. Ship's fund—$14.10. DESOTO (Pan Atlantic), Dee. IS— Chairman, D. Mann; Secretary, V. Varn. Everything running okay. Ship's fund—$29. Some disputed overtime. Concur in communications from head­ quarters. Ship's delegate elected. Re­ pair list to be completed and tiurned In at payoff. DOROTHY (Bull Lines), Jan. 2 — Chairman, C. Collins; Secretary, p. Magro. No beefs. Few hours disputed overtime. One man missed ship. Con­ cur in communications from head­ quarters. Vote of thanks to steward for nicely served meals during trip and holidays. INES (Bull), Dec. 31—Chairman, J. Slaven; Secretary, C. Taylor. One man missed ship in Bremerhaven. Ship's fund—970.40. No beefs. Miitlon made and carried to see patrolman about washing machine. Each delegate to compile repair list. Vote of thanks finr steward department. . ' ' �Peb. S, 195< SEAFARERS 'Again. . 7 Fai« Elevea. LOG Homelike Formosa Pleases Seafarers Despite the ever-present Communist danger lurking on the mainland less than 200 miles across the Formosa Straits, Sea­ farers on the City of Alma who spent the lull between Christ­ mas and New 'Year's in the-»port city of Keelung on the called it, 'an easy load to handle.' northern tip of Formosa "I have been assured it would found the city very much like take the efforts of six average men The hazards of the maritime industry, the second most dangerous in the US, have been brought home sharply once again by the catastrophic explosion of the Salem Mari­ time. Thirteen Seafarers lost their lives in this disaster, and few of these had the slight­ est chance of escape. The sympathies of every Seafarer and of the Union go to the families of the victims who are deprived in most instances of their breadwinner. Whatever can be done by the Union under the circumstances is being done so that the devastating blow can be softened. The Salem Maritime is the third major disaster suffered by Seafarers in the last five year§. There was the Southern Isles in the fall of 1951, and the Southern Districts last year, both of which foundered with heavy loss of life. Nor were these the only losses in recent years. There was the SUP ship Pennsylvania which disappeared with­ home. "After spending the big day at sea;-' Seafarer Luis Ramirez re­ calls, "Keelung was like a touch of home, and was the Chinese terri­ tory with the most Christian pop­ ulation I have ever seen. We did hot have to look hard to see Chrismas trees which, with all kinds of decorations, still occupied the lead­ ing spaces in stores, clubs and many private homes." Since this was his first visit to Formosa, Ramirez, always a care­ ful recorder of detail, took pains with his observations. "There are no bargains here, as prices are not very inviting. Drinks Expensive "Trying to have a good time also can become very expensive, if one takes his pleasure at a bar. A pop­ ular drink costs 20 Taiwan (For­ mosa) dollars and the barmen usu­ ally has the next one there before the empty glass of the last one leaves your mouth," he said. "But this city rates a long way better with us than Pusan or Sai­ gon. For one thing, no one both­ ers you in the streets, and every­ thing looks clean and decent. Very few of the boys would risk wearing a watch ashore in Saigon—and not even a hat in Pusan, but here I had both items with me while walk­ ing alone through the downtown area and came back with both of them intact." Beautiful Scenery Aside from the transportation facilities, which are.^till very prim­ itive, Keelung boasts some beauti­ ful scenery. "Mountains encircle the city which suirounds the bay like a giant horse-shoe," he re­ called. "Here many a man doubled as man and animal, pulling and push­ ing rickshaws, carts, tricycles and pedicabs of all descriptions . . . It is not that they do not know much about mechanized transpor­ tation. It is, according to most opinions, much cheaper this way. A one-man load of 15 sacks of grain weighing anywhere from 145 to 180 pounds each was, as they elsewhere to pull and travel the distance these cart drivers man­ age." "I saw one rickshaw driver ped­ aling happily at a good normal speed while carrying a full family consisting of man, wife and three Reporter on many faraway places for the LOG, Sea­ farer Luis A. Ramirez peers shoreward from a porthole on the City of Alma to get a bird's eye view of Kee­ lung. Shipmate A. Hamm took the photo. children in their laps, plus a heavy bundle on his own head." While there, Ramirez added, the ship was visited by sailors from the US cruiser St. Paul, "mother ship" for the US 7th fleet in the Pacific and a constant reminder of the war danger lurking in the area. " 'Red,' our always alive and ready engine delegate, showed them around ship, which is hard to compare to their aristocratic floating hotel. Yet they managed to see something much better on our ship, when one of them spied the innerspring mat­ tresses on our beds. One of the sailors told his buddy, " 'See that. These guys have it made.' "This was enough to give some importance to our everyday cargo ship, and from then on 'Red' was on his own with them." out trace in the North Pacific and the Mormackite which went down off the East Coast. All of these, and many others have cost the lives of numerous seamen. These are the major disasters, but for every one of these, there are the dozens of personal misfortunes that take place largely unnoticed aboard ship. The toll of injuries and death is a continuing one on board ship and one which cannot be eliminated easily. It was a coincidence that the Salem Mari­ time explosion came the same week in which the SIU started sending safety question­ naires to the ships under the Union's new health and safety program. No one could say with assurance that a safety program could have prevented the loss of the tanker. But the very real probability exists that a stronger emphasis on safety and a study of safety problems will save very many men About 9,000 middle-income fami­ tive bargaining recognition among from injury and loss of life. lies in New York will get new New York's 25,000 fleet drivers. Reprieve For Hospitals lAfiOR ROUND-UP housing under a program approv­ ed by the New York Building and Construction Trades Council. The Council, representing construction unions, and the Building Trades Employers Association, have agreed to Invest $90 million of welfare and pension funds'in five cooperative housing projects. Most of the apartments would go to families of union members. ^ Organizing in Puerto Rico's gar­ ment industry mkde new progress as the International Ladies Gar­ ment Workers Union signed an agreement with a number of corset and brassiere shops calling for a 75-cent wage minimum. The new rate is 20 cents more than the legal Puerto Rican minimum wage of 55 cents an hour. About 3,000 workers are affected. Other bene­ fits include vacation and holiday pay. It is certainly welcome news to men facing tary of Health' and Welfare, and Joseph the hazards of maritime to know that the Dodge, former Budget Director, are no US Public Health Service hospitals will not longer in the administration, there is no in­ have to fight for their lives this year. The dication that the present Director of the administration has put in a request for hos­ Budget, Rowland Hughes, is any more sym­ pital funds which is better than a million pathetic to the hospitals than they were. It dollars over last year's appropriation. For was during the Hobby-Dodge era that the once, there are no proposals that one or more hospitals came closest to the brink, and were of the hospitals be shut down. only saved by vigorous rescue operations It would be nice to count on this as a semi­ . undertaken by the SIU and other SIU of NA permanent state of affairs, but the suspicion affiliates. Otherwise, seamen today would no arises that perhaps the appropriation request longer have a PHS hospital to turn to. Is one of those election year political moves. The fact that the pruning knife has been Traditionally, presidential election years are put in its sheath temporarily is no assurance times when less is said about cutting social that the self-styled economizers will never services than in other years because of poli­ use it again. Seafarers* should keep their » 4^ » ticians' fears-of reaction from voters at the fingers crossed and wait until next year for A one-day stoppage by New York polls. , , a severer,test of the hospital's-i^bUity to sur-^ taxi' drivers- highlighted - demands While Oveta Culp 'Hobby, formei? Secre­ JiOlcA^ :82Q '$ •$ The drivers authorized further strike calls, if necessary, at their first mass meeting, t 4" Teletype and teletypsetter oper­ ators for United Press have won moderate wage increases and fringe benefits in a two-year pact negotiated by the Commercial Tele­ graphers Union. Starting salary for operators will go to $112 a week next January 15. All Detroit newspapers are pub­ lishing again after being shut down for several weeks. The closing came originally with a strike of stereotypers. Contracts with eight different craft unions were involv­ ed before all issues were settled. t 4* t Oil and coal drivers in New York, members of Teamsters Local 553, won a 30-cent an hour pack­ age increase after a five day strike. The package consisted of 12Vk cents in wages, 14 cents in a pension.'fund-and 31^ cents for hospitalkatioa- coverage. - �Far* TMT* SEAFARERS The Galley Gang A Strfanr BIENVILLE'S ON GAY TRIP TO FAR EAST Working her way back from the Far East and then to - Europe, the BienviUe is now proceeding merrUy on the way out to the Orient again with "just about the finest collection of crack­ pots ever gathered on one ship. The above assessment of his 'shipmates comes from Louis £. Meyers, ship's reporter, who notes a "thoroughly enjoyable trip, with a good crew and fine food," de­ spite (or perhaps due to) his earli­ er-quoted remark. Actually, his critique may even be excused, since it was written as "another period of enforced semireligious inactivity was drawing to a close." The ship was diie in Panama the next day. "Give me ... three 2-minute eggs, two 3-minute eggs, His picturesque reference, of four 2-minute eggs, one 3-minute egg and two 2V2-niincourse, exposes the fact that the ute eggs .. Bienville had already been at sea for quite a while without pause to This cartoon comment on why ships' cooks get gray was sent satisfy that variety of inner hun­ in from the Oceanstar without further comment. Sine* it's gers common to seamen on long unsigned no credits are given. But we hope the cartoonist trips. As Meyers points out, for comes out of hiding—with more of the same—before long. example, "we have been eating and sleeping regularly and in large quantities of each . . . What more could a poor seaman ask for?" Meyers does offer some evidence to substantiate his original esti­ mate such as a note about Danner, who has "fig­ True to his home state, Seafarer C. M. Wagenfer wouldn'^ OS, ured out a pogo let anything stand in the way of his TV viewing last New stick with an Year's Day, while Maryland's "Terrapins" tangled with Okla­ anti-gravity de­ homa in the annual Sugar vice which will timore in 1941 and still makes his enable him to Bowl game in Miami. Quarterbacking later from home in that city with his wife. leap into the air and stay up while a seat in front of the crew's tele­ Ginger. Of course, the story might have the world re­ vision set on the Mae, Wagenfer watched the carnage to his heart's a better ending if the "Terrapins" volves around content. Earlier, crewmembers co­ had come out on top in the bowl him until the Meyers operated by turn­ classic, but unhappily for him, they jplace where he ing their linen in wound up on the short end of a wants to go passes by." There are also "three deck main­ to him in the 20-6 score. Ship's secretary T. Schultz provided the details. tenance men who can be seen morning. working daily on an atomic-pow­ In this way, he ered jet rocket for a trip to the was able to col­ moon . . . (and) . . . Smitty, the lect and sort the saloon MM, who spends his nights stuff before the gridiron action cutting out Octagon soap coupons got underway and in the linen locker. This, as hie puts it, 'so I can get ahead on didn't miss any Wagenfer household utensils for my future of it. This de­ parture from normal ship's routine marriage*." made for one happy BR at the All in all, IVfeyers, added, "there time. are almost 30 more like these boys, Born in Maryland, Wagenfer and they help keep things from joined the SIU in the port of Bal­ getting dull." Can't Keep Good Man Down When Home Team's On TV SEAFARERS IN THE HOSPITALS USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND. NY. K. C. Anderson Frank Kubek Jim Barbaeeia M. A. Lucas Joseph S. Barron Vincent McClosky George Carlson Joseph McGraw O. Coleman John McWilliams Vito D'AngeJo Richard Mason John DeAbreu Joseph Neubauer Iji_jvson Evans Howard Parker Jack Fecko James Pierce EsteU Godfrey George Robinson j; G. GuIIedge Jose Rodriguez L. E. Gutierz E. Roszro Charles Hall Nighbert Straton William R. Home Ciro P. Sudana F. R. Kaziukewicz Jack Wenger USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE, MD. Newton Baker H. Jaynes _ Harry C. Bennett Henry Karpowicz William Carey George Meltzer Francisco Casasco John W. Parker H. Ca'stelino Raymond Perry Carl Chandler Fred Pittman Jessie A. Clarke Floro Regalado Louis Firlie Thomas Richardson Donald Forrest WiUiam Ryan C. E. Foster William Salazar Wiiliam French Daniel Seabolt Jack Gardner William Tlioinas Gorman T. Glaze Chester White Albert Hawkins Henrich Wiese John C. Henriksen Archie Wright Edward Huizenga RusseU Wright Hakan Janson USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GA. Maximino Bernes Louie T. McGowan Ignazio D'Amico John Morris Austin Kitchins Albert Rakocy Jimmie Littleton Earl J. SUlin Israel Lopez J. F. Wunderlich ,• USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. Ronald Nohe Jeremiah O'Byrne AUen J. North Edward J. Whelan VA HOSPITAL BALTIMORE, Leonard J. Franks USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH BROOKLYN. NY. Edmund Abualy James Lawlor Manuel Antonana Leonard Leidig Eladio Aris . Mike Lubas Fortunate Bacoino A. McGuigan B. Baterna David McIIreath Nils Beck Harry MacDonald Frank Bemrick Michael Machusky Robert Booker Vic Milazzo Tim Burke Melvin Moore WiUiam Conners Joseph Murphy E. Cunningham ' Eugene Nelson Walter Davis James O'Hare Walter Denley Ralph Palmer John Driscoll George Phifer Robert Gilbert James Quinn Bart Guranick Daniel Ruggiano Taib Hassen George Shumaker Joseph Ifsits G. Sivertsen Thomas Isaksgn Henry Smith John Kccnan Karl Treimann John Klemowicz Harry Tuttle Ludwig Kristiansen Fred West Frederick Landry Virgil Wilmoth Feb. S. l»5t lOG USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS, LA. John Abadie James Mason Thomas Bach GUbert Milsap William Barnett John MitcheU Joseph Barroco Alfonso Olaguibel Nicholas Bastes Kenyon Parks Merton Baxter Donald Pool Claude Blanks Randolph RatcliS Wallace Boyce Edwin Rhoads J. L. Buckelew . John Samsel Chas. Cunningham Henry Sosa A. N. Fernandez West Spencer Jaime Fernandez Emile Stevens Charles Fishel G. St. Germain Ben D. Foster • Rufus Stough Joseph Gehringer Alfred Throne John C. George Lonnie Tickle Louis Guarino LUciano Toriblo Julius Hale Louis Vecchiet Charles Hanners Dirk Visser William Howland ' James Ward Charles Jeffers Ernest Webb Tommy .Jenkins Charles Welborn E. G. Knapp George Weldy Duska Korolla Milton Wells Leo H. Lang James Wilkio USPHS HOSPITAL Marion Lohr David Wright ' SEATTLE, WASH. Henry Lowery Tadashi Yatogi) E. Anderson Wiliam Datsko Earl McCollara L. Bosley Sverre Johatmessen F. J. Bradley C. L. Nickerson USPHS HOSPITAL B. P. Burke W. G. Whitmer NORFOLK, VA. Thomas Connell C. Zubovich Francis J. Boner WiUiam H. HoweU Charlie Culpepper MarshaU Shankle USPHS HOSPITAL Louis K. Gordon Edwin Thompson GALVESTON, TEXAS W. O. Cunningham James Oliver USPHS HOSPITAL William Hightower Mark Rockni* FORT WORTH, TEXAS Thomas F. Hill John Scott Frank Anderson Rosendo Serrano Robert Kehrly Alonzo Sistrunk Benjamin Deibler • WiUie A. Young Joseph FuseUa John E. Markopolo USPHS HOSPITAL 6th DIST. TB HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO. CALIF. MOBILE. ALA. David M. Baria Marcelo B. Belen Okal J. Jones William Clegg Joseph Puglisl USPHS HOSPITAL" Charles Dwyer John Sweeney MEMPHIS. TENN. Max Felix - W. Timmermann Charles Burton VA HOSPITAL , VA HOSPITAL• WICHITA. KAN. , Frank S. Stevens " ' ' Urges Slil Help Kids'BB League To the Editor: Many Seafarers- are faithful followers of all sporting events, and usually baseball In particu­ lar. All bona fide fans must b* aware of the fact that due to.* talent shortage, owing to a largo extent to the folding of many minor league franchises, the calibre of the game, as played today. Is In jeopardy. Thus it Letters To The Editor All letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names toill be loithheld upon request. falls to "sandlot" baseball, of an organized nature, to supply the bulk of the potential future "DlMagglo's," "Muslals," and others necessary for a healthy game. In the "Little League" and "Babe Ruth League," we havo such organizations. However, they need support. Sponsor Teams My suggestion is that each SIU port sponsor such teams, chiefly by voluntary donations. Sons of Seafarers might rate some preference on these teams, that is. In eligibility for the squad. . Of course the first team would be based on merit alone. Such a set-up would not only serve the purpose of stimulating sandlot ball, but would also cre­ ate goodwill for the SIU, a com­ modity we can always use. Most important, it would give a lot of underprivileged kids an op­ portunity for good, clean fun. Seafarers on the beach, who own cars, could help out by pro­ viding transportation for "away" games, and some of the frus­ trated potential major leaguers (aren't we all?) could assist in running the clubs. Various benefits could be held to assist in purchasing equip­ ment. We also could probably induce some current major leaguers to make guest appear­ ances for the benefit of the youngsters and perhaps h few of the "oldsters" also. What do you say we get be­ hind this, brothers? And P. S. Don't forget to askfor my donation. E. N. Mclnls 4- 4- Appreciates Aid From Marymar 'To the Editor: On Christmas Day, 1955, my husband was seriously injured at sea on the SS Marymar. I vvould like to take this oppor-i tunity to thank all of the fel­ lows on the Marymar for the two contributions which were given to us at our home. I thought it was very gener­ ous and want to thank them all very kindly for their help, which amounted to $190. My husband is still in the hospital and was very glad to hear about this when I told him. Mrs. Alfred Johnson t Asks For Mail ^hiie In Korea *10 the Editor: I would like to have the LOG sent to me up until March, 1957, as'it will bfe that lonfe before I - laav* thia placb. Also, pleas* publish my address so som* of th* boys can drop m* a, line one* in a while. 1 am about 11 miles south of the 36th parallel demilitarized zone, the furthest north of any American outfit in Korea, and got here right after Christmas. Say hello to all my friends around Baltimore and let them know that my wife and I are expecting a little "Smitty" about the last of July or first of August. I'll tell all the boys one thing though. 1 wish to hell I was sailing instead of with this army. This is strictly for the 20-year men. My address, by the way, is Pvt. Edward V. Smith, US 52406026, Hq. Co., 1st Bn., 17th Inf. Regt., APO 7, San Fran­ cisco, Calif. Edward V. Smith HaUs SIU Agent On Disaster Aid To the Editor: I wish to express my thanks and those of my shipmates, through the columns of the LOG, for the many services and unstinting efforts Leroy Clarke put into looking after the' in­ terests of all US Seafarers who were members of the crew of the Salem Maritime. - He was without sleep for three and a half days to make things easier for the families of the Seafarers aboard and all others involved. We think that the SIU is fortunate to have, as Lake Charles port agent, one who gave of his energies so gen­ erously. Reuben "Big Joe" Ruttkay 4" t 4" Likes Isthmian Mail Service To the Editor: I would like to take this op­ portunity to thank the staff of the mail room at the Isthmian Steamship Company for the splendid job they are doing in seeing that ships' crews get all the mail sent to them. They not only give prompt service, but also try to eliminate any losses. This is not an easy job, when you consider how busy a mail department can get. Besides, I have always re­ ceived the utmost courtesy and consideration whenever i've called. They really go out of their way to give you whatever information they can. I think these fellows are do­ ing a fine job and I want it brought to the attention of all LOG readers. M. Dwyer He's Proud Dad Of A Baby Girl To the Editor; I'd like to announce to the world at large (but will settle for the readers of the LOG— which is quite enough) that I have become a father for the first time. My wife, June, gave birth to a six pound five ounce baby girl on December 20, 1955. We have named her April Lynn. I haven't had a ship since January 17,1955, but hope to back soon. I stayed home \vith my wife during her con­ finement, but I sure missed the ships and the men on them. My last ship was the Cities Service tanker Bents Fort. I was cook and baker and was elected ship's delegate the whole time I was on there. Un­ til I can see them again, regards tn ail my friends; " ' Robert M. Hammond ' �Fek. S. 1951 SEAFARERS WItTIRN TRAOIR (WMarn Navl.. ••Han), Nov. ae-^MIrmati, J. tPaWk mru (acratary, I. Caudlll. SvcrythlBiakay. Slilp'a aacrataty-reporter alac^. ad. Motion carried tbat no tmiiacaa^'aary noise be mada around mldahlB house while at sea. Deck department, to take' care' of laundry room: and steward and engine departments take care of recreation room.' .STONY CREEK (American Tramp),Jan. 2—Chairman, M. Ohstrom; Secre­ tary, K. Goldman. -No disputed evertime. One man missed ship in Beau­ mont. Balance of ship's fund is S17;51. Accept commhnication from headquarters. Motion carried to tryto secure one additional foc'sle for firemen and oilers so that there will LOG PftS*^Urtoa • carried ta turn iq for three days lodg­ ing for • not' having hot wstar ' In showers. Motion carried to flnish painting aboard ship.. Vote of thanks ta Weward for wonderful Christmas Dinner. SEATRAIN GEORGIA (Seatrain), Jan. IS-7-Chalrman, W. Jones; Secre­ tary, A. lambert. Slight improve­ ment In washing water, but it is still dirty. Concur in communications from headquarters. Motion carried to have supper in port. Blowers to be repaired. Everyone to stay out of one another's room. SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Seatrain), Jan. 17—Chairman, C.' Emanud; Sec- rftary, I. Peacock. Ship's delegate elected. Minutes were mailed in. Con­ cur in commiinicatiohs from beadquarters. Ship's' delegate elected. SEATRAIN TEXAS (Seatrain), "Jan. 22—Chairman, E. Lasoya; Secretary, L. Reiner. Better ice cream to be put aboard. Steward claims he or­ dered items crew had requested. Two minutes of silence for brothel's lost aboard the SS Salem Maritime. No beefs. STEEL WORKER (Isthmian), Jan. U -^halrman, C. Welmer; Secretary, G. Reyes. No beefy. Report made about run-in with Saudi Arabian Customs officer. Concur in communications from iKadquarters. Repair list turned in. Poor quality of stores aboard. I / be watch foc'sles. instead _ of three men in each room. Ship's treasurer elected. Vote of thanks to steward department for a Job well done dur­ ing the holidays. ALCOA POINTER (Alcoa), Jan. 12 —Chairman, G. Gallant; Secretary, J. Hannay. Some disputed overtime. Motion carried that a cargo net be under gangway in all ports. Books are to be distributed to all. not to be held by one person. Bulk ice cream wanted aboard. Vote of thanks to steward department for good Christmas Dinner. ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), Jan. 15— Chairman, Goniales; Secretary, T. Vfaillub. Even-thing going along well. Communications from headquarters accepted unanimously. Received MTD news bulletins and crew is very happy. Rooms to be sougeed; laiindry room to be kept clean. Delegate to see patrolman in Norfolk about un­ safe conditions aboard ship. ANTINOUS (Pan Atlantic), Jan. S— Chairman, L. Blanchard: Secretary, L. Blllek. All decks in crew's quarters to be painted plus recreation room and crew mess. Some disputed over­ time. Motion carried that until gen­ eral repair list is satisfactorily com­ pleted to suit crew, we should not sign foreign articles. Better grade of cookies wanted. BIENVILLE (Waterman), Jan. 15— Chairman, H. Hailey; Secretary, J. Graft. Four men were logged. To check on bonus at Formosa. Some disputed overtime. Engine department beef to be -presented to patrolman. Discussion held on galley, card play­ ers, repair list. Steward requested bulk sausage. CITRUS PACKER (Waterman), Jan. 14—Chairman, H. Thomas; Secretary, J. Mansell. Ladders for top bunks needed and foui weather gear also. New rules for steward department to be read. Ship's fund^l.27. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Drain pipe for deck department to be cleared. Vote of thanks to steward department. DEL ORG (Mississippi), Doc. 27 — Chairman, P. L. Whitlow; Secretary, R. B. Hunt. All repairs done, except for painting. No beefs. Communica­ tions from headquarters posted. Ship's delegate elected. EUGENIE (Oro), January S—Chair­ man, J. Wllaszak; Secretary, A DeForcst. Ship to be turned over in especially good order. No funds in treasury. Everything okay. Accept communications from headquarters. Discussion held on storm door and repair is needed. HASTINGS (Waterman), Jan. 15— Chairman, O. C. Bailey; Secretary, J. Wells. No beefs. Concur in commu­ nications from headquarters. Ship's delegate elected. Captain will log anyone who fouls up. OCEAN EVA (Ocean Trans.), Jan. II —Chairman, W. Collard; Secretary, C. Churko. No beefs. Wiper died of heart attack. Ship's treasury—$12.50. Concur in communications from head­ quarters. Vote of thanks to steward department. ORION STAR (Orion), Dec. 21 — Chairman, B. Stark; Secretary, M. Stupln. Few hours disputed overtime. New ship's delegate to be elected. Canned milk is getting thick, steward Instructed to destroy bad ones. PONCE (Ponce Cement), Jan.' 1$— Chairman, M. Bodden; Secretary, 6. Knowles. Ship's delegate in hospital. New delegate elected. No beefs. Ac­ cept communications from headquar­ ters. Any changes requested in menu to be brought , to the ship's delegate. ROYAL OAK (Cities Service). Jan. 15—Chairman, N. Okray; Secretary, D. Baa^rd. Coffee is stale. Some dis­ puted overtime. Accept communica­ tions from headquarters. Ship's dele­ gate and ship's treasurer elected. WESTERN TRADER (Western Navl•atlen), Jan, 15—Chairman, B. Storyi Sacretary, E. Conrad. Crewmember missed ship in Honolulu. Trouble with hot water, mostly in deck de­ partment showers. Several beefs rcgardhig draws from captain. Motion WARRIOR (Pan Atlantic), Jan. 1»— Chairman, J. Madden; Secretary, M. Elliott. Deck department meeting held. Shl^it's delegate elected. Motion carried that the Union issue a photoidentification card to be paid for by seaman for use when identification must be surrendered at pier gate. This would eliminate possible loss of seaman's papers. It was suggested that, crew messman have bread and other things on table before feeding time and he feed watch first. YAKA (Waterman), Jan. 7—Chair­ man, L. Gardler; Secretary, C. James. Slopchest is in very poor condition. Repair Ust from last trip not taken care of before leaving last port in USA. Ship's treasury contains $20.43. ALCOA PILGRIM (Alcoa), Jan. t— Chairman, R. Fralier; Secretary, H. Sedgeway. Ship's delegate to see cap­ tain regarding several men .fouUng up. Concur in communication from headquarters. Convention and conference reports as carried in the SEAl^RERS LOG read. Motion carried that all beefs be, discussed at ship­ board meetings before being brought to patrolman. Rule on shifting to Port of Spain to be straightened out by patrolman. GULFWATER, (Metro), Nov. 20Chalrman, C. Gibbs; Secretary, H. Report on saloon messman taking food and coffee to captain's stateroom to be turned over to pa­ trolman. N5 beefs. It was suggested to contact patrolman as soon as ship docks regarding repairs and drinking water. IBERVILLE (Pan Atlantic), Jan. 14 ^ Chairmsnp McCorvey; Socratarv. Rundblad. Ship's fund contains $53. Check on heating system on board. MASSMAR (Calmar), Jan. 17—ChalrI?,"?,' R'chenberg; Secretary, R. Walton. Ships delegate elected. Good officers, aboard this vessel. Ship's fund contains $14. This is a clean ship and there are no beefs. Accept ^mraunications from headquarters. on the West Coast is to let delegate know so he may notify the captain. Men who go "hould try to keep their voices down. mfn"—Chair­ man, T. Collins; Secretary, V. Monte ,hospital. AU repair .1. compiled. Good crew aboard this vessel. Ship's fund—$15 frlin h® w. communications thlt^shin" suggested MTD^ew. Sparks about posted. Vote of WU done* for job SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Seatrain) rmaVv rPMe*"!"'*-®' S«e' shLne Chi?- "f- Everything Is shipNo l^eff ^feasury contains $35. Ta^llirV)* Jal?Mr*!..:., •nthus; Secrttaryg 'Western C. Sarj, Grimat w»n RospRalized in Sasebo. Ship is weU stored this trip. Fans and mat tresses will come aboard. Some dis­ omy Shlo'.^H 1 Everything running delegate elected. DiscusMon on men missing watches was pSre". 'vlU be checked in Singa••-Chhrman'"'j° Dec. 11 Frlnkn!? L. Franklin. '!:. Fresh fruit '•"•t'ry. will be h?*.®?? Shifting ship wis in ^ces8 of 4 houra and waa dfclarad coastwise pa^ au" hands' Suggestion that .hipW d%alWm"?oAs'"' *^10* CORSAIR (Alcoa), Dec 11 iSr^CMt'IJ/I"' M Ch^nO'ar; Secretary, •hot 1 Captain said that crewmembers may bring wives Sat^'Velted®""".?) A alul draws. Discussion held on RANGER (Alcoa), Doc 22 secretarywitch to to be served first, ''®®^' Men on watcn ALMENA (Pan Atlantic), Dec. 4 Eaeretary, c. minor beefs: Some disputed overtime. Steward to see captain about having pantry sougegd. -Del Su<i Seafarers flank movie actress Jarma Lewis and her husband, 6. E. Bensinger III (holdring life ring), during couple's honeymoon cruise to South America on the SlU-manned cruise ship. Pictured (I to r) are Seafarers Richard Chaisson, Frank Rutfino, Bensinger, Miss Lewis, Louis O'Leary, Mike Burns. The photo by Maurice "Duke" Duet was submitted by ship's re­ porter C. M. Dowling. Miss Lewis is in the current MGM film "The Tender Trap". Ships Lick Boredom In Many Ways Routine at sea is pretty straightfdirward for Seafarers between ports. Under ordinary cir­ cumstances, the problem for the experienced seaman is not what to do on the job, hut how to handle his time after hours. •—" Sacktime and,mealtime ac­ anybody who can tell you the Athletics aboard ship are also count for some of, it, hut weight of the "ones that got away," fine, but the cramped confines of here's usually some left over. so this inevitably brings up what the vessel rule out most of the pos­ To fill the void, ships can run anoccasional movie or, on coastal runs, boast a working TV set. Some ships, like the Ocean Nora, feature a gang of competent anglers, who pass some of the time trying to catch the fi^ and th? rest skinning, mounting or consuniing it. On their last trip, according to £d Kaznowsky, "we pulled in 970 pounds of fresh fish and lost approximately 320 pounds." It isn't often that you run into LOG-A-RHYTHM: Cod Given Sea appears to be a key pastime on the Seagarden: tall tales. John S. Burke, ship's reporter, writes that the trip "seems to be getting monotonous . . . but if it wasn't for Brothers 'Jughead' Chandler and 'Killer' Caine with their tall tales to keep all hands laughing, we wouldn't have much to say about the sanity of the gang on here." Battle Rock Plows'Ahead, Drops Troubles Along Way Skimming through the minutes of the tanker Battle Rock, the casual observer might get the idea that all was not ex­ actly well on the ship and that its.crew was suffering from what might he described as a-* mild case of "Battle (Rock) the job . . ." fatigue'-'. This situation-normal (but-sort- For despite the often-stated "all's well" fn the reports of most By William A. Daupheny of the SIU ship's officers, here's what they also had to say: Secretary-reporter: "Everything's Oh, what nights there could be alright. . ? the captain says he will Out there on the sea not buy stores in Japan . . ." Out there on the ocean blue, Treasurer: "All's well ... we With the stars in the sky have no money in the treasury so Net a cloud drifting by. >fir..." And your dreams are alone with Steward delegate: "Everything's you. alright . . . the chief cook is beef­ ing that the captain won't buy sea­ While you stopr Just to stare soning or vegetables in Japan . . ." A the mooVi's bright blue glare Ship's delegate (the clincher): So to feel-the strength of its ray "Everything as usual... He wishes Then your head starts to reel to resign ... No one else wants Like a giant ferris wheel At the sight of the Milky Way. Should you listen real close When the wind blows the most. You will find there are songs in the air. What sort of man could compose Any songs, such as those, am sure there are none in this sphere. Should you wait through the night For the breaking of light And another new day to be bom. You will awe at the sight. Feel ..the thrill of delight As you gaze at the colorful dawn sibilities in this field. Still, on the Wild Ranger, ship's cook A1 Gurspie was eaual to the occasion. Gurspie, says reporter Leo Wills, brought aboard a trunk full of those, rubber muscle builders that stretch and sold them at $4 per. "Nobody had better get fresh with this crew. We've got muscles now where we never had any before.'' of) fouled-up approach to ship's living apparently didn't faze the in­ trepid Seafarers on the "Rock," however, in spite of the indications to the contrary. Ship's delegate Henry Martin was talked into keeping his post, Martin a committee was elected to see the captain about buying stores in Japan and th^ ship continued on its plodding course. Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32. NY I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—please put my name on your mailing list. (Print Information) NAME STREET ADDRESS ^^ITY 2B^^NE ...... ST^kTE . •... Signed Yes! There's beauty at sea TO AVOID DUPLICATION: If As God made it to he, of ad^raii, plaasa giva your beauty that one won't forget. So when you're out en the foam ADDRESS And are sailing Jpr home. To hUn, ifive iked thought of regret., CITY you ara an eM tubtcribar and hava a chanqa formar addrati balow: «•••••••«••••••••••••«•••••»•«••««a••aataaaiataaaaaaaaahsaaaa** •.'•^41" i(*a«aMa«aa«aaM . ZONE . STATE �Pac* pAnrleai Runner Rolls h' J ' y:'-v - SEAFARERS Gulfwater In Stew—Meat Often Isn't Always eager for surprises but never quite prepared for what they have been getting, Proud of that batch of rolls, James Temple, night cook and baker, shows them off in the galley of the Alcoa Runner. Crew liked 'em too, said A. W. "Tony" Wa'siluk, steward and photog. Monkey Rules Roost, Cheers Orion Comet \Getting fatter all the time, the monkey mascot aboard the supertanker Orion Comet appears to be thriving as well as the rsst of the crew on the shuttle run between Japan and the Persian Gulf. Writing from Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, ship's reporter James "Red" Fisher relates that the simi­ an, a male, is "big" on sweets and hard candy, "but especially enjoys getting into everybody's coffee cup and drinking out of It." The monkey, yet unnamed. Is equally promis­ cuous in his sleeping habits and will siesta with anybody who will share a bunk with him. Meares He was bought in Formosa by James Meares, one of the Comet's ABs. Loyal to the deck department, he has also latched on to the bosun and tags along after him all over the ship. "All the rest of the crew is also fat and healthy these days, thanks to the efforts of steward Larry Santa Ana and the steward depart­ ment. Everyone particularly ap­ preciated the holiday meals which meant long hard hours of work by the whole gang," Fisher added. Originally loaded at Long Beach, Calif., last November, the Comet is due to return to Baltimore around June for shipyard work. - Burly 1 -msRi I OfJ rMiS I Sri/p-<5X4Rr//V(S Seafarers on the Gulfwater (Met­ ro) are finding their trip livened up somewhat by a kind of "guess­ ing game" practiced by the com­ pany. As related by the minutes of a recent ship's meeting, the "game" can be played by the entire crew. It stems from the company's habit of substituting meats. Thus, the contents . marked on the box will be one thing, "but when you get out to sea and open up the box it will contain some­ thing else entirely." It's murder on menu - planners, of course, but that's all part of the game. Loii Of Surprises The steward may think he's got 50 pounds of veal chops in a crate and put the cooks to work on "veal a la scallopine" or some­ thing like it, only to And that when they bring the so-called veal out in the open that it's ham or, worse yet, ox-tail. This Is very unset­ tling for the taste buds as well as the cooks. Besides, what are they supposed to do with all that sauce? There is something to say for the "surprise" element in ali this, of course, but if "beef" comes up as "pigs' knuckles" five times run­ ning, it's not unfair if somebody gets suspicious. One thing is sure, however. Company officials are go­ ing to wish they went through the meat grinder instead of showing up for the payoff. e Fairland Gang LOG Feb. 8, )9M Tops in Feeding Peps Del Santos seamen's paper ever printed in. Offers Tribute maritime history," and that the SIU is the "only padesettlng! To Pete Larson union he knows." To the Editor: I certainly enjoyed reading I would like to express the LOG, as it helped keep me through the LOG my sincere informed on all the latest hap­ and deepest' sympathy to the penings in the maritime indus­ suiTivors of my late friend, try. It is a pleasure to read; Pete Larsen. such a wonderful paper about a I had the pleasure of knowing great and pacesetting union. and working with Pete for many I used to sell papers on every ' years. He wa^one of the most SIU ship that came into Liver­ solid Union men I have ever pool, but the one I remember met. Pete knew that the Union most is the Coe Victory of Vic­ was important to a seaman and tory Carriers, which came into anything he did the 'Union Liverpool on Coronation Day. . .in was first. That was his way of Souvenirs To Crew helping his Union brothers keep I was sent to get coronation strong. postcards, stamps, miniature Pete was a fine Union man, coronation coaches, etc., and and I know of no greater tribute never stopped running back­ anyone could pay to a working ward and forward up to town. man. I will miss Pete Larsen, This lasted about two weeks and I know many other 81U while the ship was in port. I men feel the same way. think it had more souvenirs Pat McCann than cargo aboard. I stili remember sonie of the crewmembers and would like to Seafarer Opens get in touch with them, men like Frank Tamburino, who I New Bar In NO know left the sea and Joined To the Editor: Just a line to Jet you know the fire service in Chicago, Luis that another one of our brothers Ramirez and Mick Kennedy. I am now writing a book has Just opened a bar and res­ about the sea and the SIU so if taurant here in New Orleans. you have any literature about It's very handy to the docks and the Union and how it first start­ easy to find as the street is only ed, I would be much obliged to one block long.' It's located on Crossman receive it. 8treet, one block from Canal John Kelly (Ed. note: We have revised and half a block from the post our mailing list in accord with office. your requests. The material you The name is "Little Gould's asked for is also being sent un­ Bar," owned by none other than der separate cover.) George "Brother-in-Law" Gould t. t. himself. 8eafarers will also find another well-known 8IU man He's Thankful behind the bar, Bob "Little For SIU Start Brother" Johnston. The food is To the Editor: excellent, drinks cheap, service I would like to take time out unsurpassed. to thank the men who made it Remember, 8eafarers, when possible for me to get my start in New Orleans, visit "Little in the SIU several years ago. Gould's Bar" where brother-inI was a member of the Teams-, laws meet. Well, that's what ters, with Local 463 in Philadel­ the sign outside says. phia, for 15 years before I took Douglas "Smiley" Claussen up sailing. They were a fine t 4" t bunch of fellows and it was a Lauds Memory fine union, but the benefits were nothing like those in the SIU. Of Pete Larsen I have so many fine things to To the Editor: . say for our Union that it would I don't need to tell you how be impossible to write them shocked I was to learn of the all down. recent dealth of Brother Pete We have a fine leadership in Larsen. He must have been one our Union. of the best-known, best-liked I remember some of their regulars at the New York hall. names, such as Wally Lopez, In tribute to nim, I must con­ ship's delegate; Paul Whitlow, fess, I admire his record as one deck delegate; "Frisco," the of the. oldtimers in our fine or­ steward department delegate, ganization. To the best of my and Joe Madrid, steward. I sail knowledge, he was in' on all the 1^ the steward department and beefs which led to the attain­ am a Waterman "stiff" by now. ment of our position as one of I am on the 88 Citrus Packer the top labor unions in the na­ right now on the way to the Far tion and therefore in the world. East. I can only say that all that he I would like to° hear from had to give, in- my estimation, some of the boys if they get a he gave in the service of his chance as I have not met any adopted country and the 8IU. of them since I left the ship in This country and this Union 1951. Once again, thanks a were indeed fortunate to have million to all. his service during his lifetime. Frank B. McColUan Clarence L. Cousins To'the Edlton The boys of the Del Santos got off in high spirits here on the "Romance Run." We spent the Christmas holidays in the port of Recife, Brazil, with everyone having a wonderful time, especially the lovers and senoritas at the "Texas Bar." The drinks were flowing freely and everyone had his share. We would lilce to extend a vote of thanks to Frederick letters To The Editor All letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names will be withheld upon request.- Neely, steward; Jack "Gator Mouth" Bates, chief cook; Lio­ nel "Shadow" Antoine, baker; Andy Kennedy, 2nd cook, and the whole steward department for their combined efforts in making the past holiday season a very cheerful one. Their cook­ ing skill can hardly be excelled anywhere. 'This ship previously was pretty much fouled up on its feeding, but now everything has changed for the better with "Gator Mouth" holding down the galley. Captain Elwood Miller paid the steward department a per­ sonal compliment for turning out *a fine Christmas dinner which was out of this' world. And any of you brothers who really like to stow away the gro­ ceries should come down to New Orleans and try to catch this "Culinary Cruiser." AH in all, it's been smooth sailing on board the Del Santos' with no beefs. All the dele­ gates, including ship's delegate Eldred L. Bates, Leb Snodgrass, deck; George C. Foley, engine, and Laurence A. Mitchell, stew­ ard, Join me in signing this letter. A. J. Clement Ship's reporter t i a. Recalls Visit Of Coe Victory Concentrating on getting the davits and boats on the Fairland into shape, two Seafarers in the ship's deck gang didn't even know the camera was on them. Lensman Tom Ulisse returned the favor, didn't'recall their names when ha developed the film. To the Editor: I am an old subscriber to the LOG and would like to receive it at my new address in Hull, England. I moved from Liver­ pool about six months ago but I expect the LOG is still going there. My father, who is a fireman on an old English ship, would also like to get the LOG. He claims the paper is the "best Sure Thing Bg Bernard Seamnm �SEAFARERS "^Feb.!, 1951 eOV^RNMINT CAMP (CIHn larvlca)/ 0«c. 27-^halrinan<. W. Conartz; Sacratary< W. Hand. Safety maaa'urea-were dladussed, and all membera urged to uaa axtceme caution at all timea. Shlp'a lundT-$H.39. No bedfa. KrSKA (Walerman), Jin. 1—Chair­ man/' A. Hammlck; Secretary/ H. Nrohn. Not enough certain food put aboard before aalling. One man left behind in Yokohama. Ship's fund— t2.05. Some disputed overtime. Not sufficient alopchest put aboard; More medicine needed. Hospital to be painted. Better grade of soap powder to be put aboard. Fresh watei* tanks have not been thoroughly cleaned. OOVERNMENf CAMP (CItlaa Serv­ ice)/ Dec. ,10—Chairman, D. Haynes; Secretary, A. Schwartz. Ship's fund —$11.39. To have letter to headquar­ ters referred to patrolman for payoff. Discussion on washing machine. SBA CARDIN (Pan Nav. Carpi/ Oat. IS—Chairman/ C. Lea; Sacrftary/ J. •urka.'' Cbnlcur In comraunlcatfdna from headtiuartera./ Ship's dalegata elected. All hands to try to keep mesahall and recreation room clean. Dec. 4—Chairman/ W. McNIal; taeretarv/ J. Burke. Ship's delegate electedi Question oh captain interfer­ ing with deck department to be re­ ferred to patrolman. Vote of thanks to steward department. Dec. 3&—Chairman, C. Lea; Secre­ tary/ J. Burke. Everything okay. Some disputed overtime. Repairs from last voyage. to be taken care of. Vote of thanks to steward department. BIENVILLE (Waterman), Dec. 35— Chairman,. N. DuBolir Secretary, J. Craft. Repair list turned in to cap­ tain. Rooms to be left clean. No beefs reported. Ship's fund—$3.05. Clarifica­ tion needed as to whether or not fresh milk may be- obtained in Canal Zone. Duties of ship's secretary-reported dis­ cussed. GEORGE A. LAWSON (Pan-Ocsanlc), Nov. 37—Chairman, C. Lawson; Sec­ retary, Prokopuk. Ship's delegate elected. Vote of thanks to steward department-for wonderful Thanksgiv­ ing Dinner. CHILORE (Ore), /an. «—Chairman; R. King; Secretary ^ Johnson. Every­ thing running okay. Stiip's funa— S2.98. Accept communications from headquarters. Convention and confer­ ence reports in LOG were acted upon and accepted unanimously. Storm MONARCH OF THE SEAS (Water­ doors, porthole gaskets and doors keys man), Dec. 5—Chairman, W. Smith; to be placed on repair list. Secretary, A. Danne. Washing machine was rep^red..jro compile repair list. Concur in recent communication from HASTINGS (Waterman), Dec. 35 — headquarters. Screen needed. Spray Chairman, U. Sanders, Jr.; Secretary, bombs to be ordered. J. Wells. Trip has beien very pleasant. Concur in communication from headNORTHWESTERN VICTORY (Vic­ tory Carriers), Dec. 33—Chairman, E. King; Secretary, W. (llnehart. No beefs, some disputed overtime. Con­ cur in all recentecommunications from headquarters. Slopchest to be checked. Steward to check supply of milk be­ fore leaving port. QUEENSTON HEIGHTS (Tankship), Dec. 35—Chairman, S. Johnson; Secre­ tary, H. Powers. Ship's delegate saw captain about draw in Azores and he refused. Some repairs completed. Ship's fund—$10. Concur in communi­ cations from headquarters. Messhall to be painted. Vote of thanks to stew­ ard department. ROBIN TUXFORD (Seas Shipping), Dcc.~ IB—Chairman, J. Miser; Secre­ tary, F. Napoll. Two men left ship because of illness. Ship's fund—$21.45. No beefs, some disputed overtime. quarters. Motion made and carried Ship's delegate only to see patrolman that night cook and baker is to at­ tend school and then ship in this about beefs. capacity. Baker claims poor quality of food aboard. ROYAL OAK (Cities Service), Sept. 35—Chairman, J. Merrell; Secretary, D. Beard. Several minor beefs ironed' OCEAN DEBORAH (MsrIHme Over­ out by department ilelegates. Repair list was posted. All Union and ship's seas), Jan. 3—Chairman, Wllklns; Sec­ business in order. Ship's fund—$31.85. retary, E. Marten. Ship's fund—$17.58. Concur in communicatidn from head­ Delegates elected. Motion made and quarters. Forward doors of the after- carried that headquarters be contacted regarding work men at the wheel. house to be kept closed. Ship's fund to be Increased by vol­ Oct. II—Chairman,. W. Lane; Secre­ untary donations. tary, D. Beard. Mate ordered padlocks for every foc'sle and hasps wiH be ip stalled on all doors. Captain is work­ ing on repair list. Cigarettes to be OCEAN NORA (Maritime Overseas), ordered lu Baliimore. New x'ork will Jan. 2—Chairman, H. Halfhiii, Secre­ rule on delayed sailing. One man tary, E. Kaznowsky. Ship's delegate short in engine deportment. Concur elected. Fainting needed. Ship's dele­ in communication from headquarters.- gate to see captain about this. Im­ Vote of confidence to ship's delegate. provements suggested regarding wash­ Oct. 33—Chairman, D. Livingston; ing machine. Secretary, D. Beard. Disputed ov'erttae .squared away in favor of crew. New .mattresses requested. STEEL AGE (Isthmian), Dec. 35— Nov. 1»—Chairman, D. Livingston; Chairman, J. Clark; Secretary, F. CarSecretary, D. Beard. Funeral wreaths povlch.' Everything is fine, no beefs. sent to family of M. Olson. Ship's fund Ship's fund—$24.44. Vote of thanks to —^24.68. Concur in communications steward department. Suggestion made from headquarters. Motidh carried'to to get a movie projector, and also to have a condensed list of steward de­ see about getting a new washing ma­ partment working rules drawn up by chine. headquarters committee for manning: scale of T-2 tankers. Ship's delegate elected. Poor menus, this matter to STEEL ARTISAN (Isthmian), Jan. 3 be turned over to patrolman. —Chairman, J. Lavlna; Secretary, R. Grant. Vote of thanks to steward de­ partment. Ship's fund—$10. No beefs, STEEL EXECUTIVE (Isthmian), Jan. disputed overtime. Ship's dele­ 3—Chairman, P. Hellebrank; Secre­ some gate to try to get a ^ew' library. tary, E. MIshanskl. Delegate's elected. Concur with communications from headqbarters. Ship's lund to be estab­ lished for iron and board. Ship to be SUNION (Kea), Jan. 1—Chairman, fqmlgated. Question as to why milk J. Elliot; Secretary, G. Parker. Dis­ and bread Were not put on board in cussion of SIU accomplishments and Baltimore. thanks for same ffom crew. No beefs. Concur in communications from head­ quarters. Thanks to all delegates and STEEL ROVER (Isthmian), Dec. 14— departments for contributing toward Chairman, R. Daniels; Secretary, F. a smooth voyage. Ooff. CoUected $32 for TV set to be repaired. Accept communications from headquarters. Ship's delegate elected. VAL CHEM (Valentine), Jhn. 3 — Crow to help keep messhall clean. Bet­ ter night lunch needed aboard. . Chairman, J. Parker; Secretary, M. Eichenko. Messhall to bo hept clean. To take care of washing machine. ALCOA POLARIS (Alcoa), Jan. 4— Ship's fund—$22.05. Ship to be fumi­ Chairman, J. Danzey; Secretary, J. gated. Motion made and carried to Hannon. Name brand of coffee re­ have fresh water tanks cleaned. quested. Everythinv okay. Repair list to be made up. Vote of thanks to steward department. DEL RIO (Mississippi), Jan. 5—Chair­ man, L. Carney; Secretary, R. Hannl- Nov. 30—Chairman, R. Schwarz; Sec­ retary, R. Palmer. To see patrolman about getting chocolate milk. No other beefs. Motion made and carried to ac­ cept and concur in communications from headquarters. BALTORE (Ore), Jan. 3—Chairman, O, Bell; Secretary, R. Pelley, Jr. Wasning machine will be repaired. Ship's fund—$16.50. No beefs. Concur in com­ munications from headquarters. Ship's delegate elected. Discussion held on nominating and electing delegates. gan. Some disputed overtime in en­ gine department. Repair list made and turned over to captain and patrolman. Vote of thanks to steward department. MARGARET BROWN (Bloomfield), Dec. S—Chairman, V. Riddle, Secre­ tary, E. Thibodeaux. Ship's fund— $9.04. Ship's delegate elected. Vote Of thanks to steward department. Pantry and messhall to be kept locked in all ports. Vote of thanks to previous ship's delegate. • - OCEANSTAR (Triton), Dec. 4 — Chairman, T. Morlant; Secretary, C. Diaz. Repair list will be taken care New chair stops for crew messrooms of. One brother left in hospital in too large, they are to be exchanged. Antwerp. Laundry machine to be No beefs. Concur in communications checked. Vote of thanks to chief stew-' from headquarters. , ' ard and chief cook. BETHCOASTER (Ore), Jan. 3—Chair­ man, e. Cousins; Secretary, R. Tyree. J. Urn LOG Pare Fiftetm •I-—•" I 3 Stay On Sfai|i--Aii4 Li^e (Continued from page 67 the relatively cool depths below the ment of tugs taking the ship away waterline, they were beaten back. Eventually, the upper level from the dock. They feared that the vessel would be headei^ into cooled enough for the men to the wind and the mass of flame-r— reach it and enter the steering en­ so hot it melted the midship house gine room. down to the deck—would be blown "We talked about going' out back over the engine room. through a porthofe," Emley said. These fears were groundless, "We looked for a pie(;e of line to however. The ship remained along­ tie around Gentry because he side the dock until the fire result­ couldn't swim. It wouldn't have ing from the explosion died out done any good if we had found it. two days later. Meanwhile, a provi­ Gentry was too big to get through dent eight-knot wind blew the the porthole. It worked out for the flame and smoke forward and best. We thought we would try to hold Gentry up in the water, but toward the starboard side. ' But Gentry, Emley and Toto we probably would have lost him were unaware of these circum­ and he would have drowned." stances. Trying to gain attention from the outside, they attempted to blow the air whistle, but there wasn't enough pressure. They had 50 pounds, of steam left in the boNer so they hopkeil up a rubber hose from the steam line to the Charles H. Williams, born De­ whistle. That didn't work either. cember 23, 1955. Parents, Mr. and The steain- condensed inside the Mrs. Charles H. Williams, Plateau. hose. Then they dismantled the Ala. whistle and tried to blow it with Mark Ashley Bishop, born De­ their lips.' They beat on the bulk­ head. Finally they gave up and re­ cember 19, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Bishop, Mobile, Ala. turned to'the shaft alley. Faced with'the prospect of sav-^ ing thdmselves" by-'leaving'Gentry behind, Emley and Totb decided to stick it out. "We had been to­ gether too long to split up then," Emley said. Some one brought out a flash light which they waved out the porthole and blinked on and off until SIU Lake Charles port agent Leroy Clarke and a group of Cities Sfervice i^oreside personnel saw the signal. A tug was sent out from shore and the three men went out from the steermg engine room onto the fantail and were taken off the ship on the port. side. RECENT ARRIVALS Beaten ^ck By Heat Kimberley A. Hess, born Decem­ They made repeated attempts to ber 18, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. return to the upper level of the Oliver A. Hess, Bellaire, Tex. engine room, but when they left Shana Maureen Smith, born Au­ gust 3, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benedict L. Smith, Everett, Wash. -Donald Eugene Crews, bom Sep­ tember 10, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Yulee H. Crews, Salem, NC Anthony Czeczemski Jan Ellyn Kaust, born January Your sister wishes to let you 2, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mr.?. know that her new address is 176 Casmier A. Kaust, New York, NY. Carolina St., Buffalo 1, NY. The phone number is CL 8534. Debra Kay Kendricks, born Jan­ 3« t $• uary 2, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Kendricks, Mobile, Ala. Ralph Booth Arthur W. Madsen Terry Anthony Gradick, born Letters are being held for you December 29, 1955. - Parents, Mr. at the SEAFARERS LOG office in and Mrs. William H. Gradick, SIU headquarters. Prichard, Ala. t Keith Robert Winsley, bom De­ Elmer Lamb cember 8, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Write your "sister Marion. Mrs. Keith Winsley, Algiers, La. 4 i I,arry Kenneth Little, born De­ William Stewart cember 22, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Get in touch with your mother as she would like to hear from you. Mrs. William A. Little, Fairhope, Ala. t 3^ Paul William Hayes, born De­ Donald Hicks Contact Walter Anthony or cember 16, 1955. Parents, Mr, and Frank Burcell at Buckie's in Staten Mrs. George Hayes, Vancouver, Wash. Island, NY. Important. i 3i Dawn Marie Gilas, born January George J. Baka 3, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Get in touch with your kid sis­ Walter Gilas, Brooklyn, NY. ter at the Reception Co., WAC. Tng. Paula Sue Ruffino, born Decem­ Bn., Ft. McClellan, Ala. ber 20, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Ruffino, New OVr Rudolfo Diaz leans. La. Contact your family in Los Leon Ward Penton, born Novem­ Banos, Laguna, PJiilippine Islands. They are worried about you and ber 16, 1955, Parents, Mr. and Mrs. anxious to know your whereabouts. Leon J. Penton, New Orleans, La, 4" i* t Terrence Keith McNiel, born C. R. Johnson December 31, 1955. Parents, Mr. Get in touch with Mrs. Irene and Mrs. WUton N. McNiel, Mobile, Seban, 135 Garfield Ave., Clemen- Ala. ton, N.J. Helen Agnes Wilkins, born De­ 4' t 4" cember 16, 1955. Parents, Mr. and John Savitsky Mrs. Thomas F. Wilkins, Mobile, Contact Rose Pierchalski, 177 Smith St., Canonsburg, Pa. Your Ala. Frances Anna Czosnowski, born mother is ill. December 1, 1955. Parents, Mr. t and Mrs. Edward Czosnowski, Norman Elliot Butters Baltimore, Md. Ronald Ryan Contact Seamen's Church Insti­ David Kent Marshall, born Jan­ tute, 25 South St., New York^ Mes­ uary 5, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. sages for you are being held there. Frank Marshall, Jr., New Orleans, 4> ^4 $ La. Louis M. Deckelman Sylvie Ellen Lewis, born Decem­ Important mail is being held for ber 16, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. you by Mrs. W. H. Frye, 311 Tre- Julian D. Lewis, Greenville, SC. mont, Galveston, Texas. Windy Lovett, bom December 4i t 4i 14, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Friends of Vic Litardi are asked William Lovett, New York, NY. to visit or write him at 13th Tloor John Michael Gallagher, born West, Veterans Administration Hospital, 23rd St. & 1st Ave., New August 11, 1955. Parents, Mr. and York, NY. Visiting hours are 3-8 Mrs. John Gallagher, Philadelphia, Cheryl Ann Jackson, born Octo­ ber 25, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton H. Jackson. Baltimore, Md. Betty Ann Banasckiewicz, born December 11, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Banasckiewicz, Baltimore, Md. Louis L. Kristan, born Decem­ ber 1, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis L. Kristan, Butler, Pa. Carmen Dolores Irizarry, bora November 18, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Irizarry, Brook­ lyn, NY. Larry James Burch, born Octo­ ber 2, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. George A. Burch, Tickfaw, Ala. Teresa M. Berryman, born De­ cember 28, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Berryman, Newark, NJ. Jack Scott Joplin, born Decem­ ber 20, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy W. Joplin, Dickeson, Tex. Roy Medrano, born December 19, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Florenio Medrano, Galveston, Tex. Janis E. Johnson, born Decem­ ber 27, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claud N. Johnson, Springhill. Ala. Elizabeth Cruz, born January 4, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Juan Cruz, New York, NY. Sonia Gay Carter, "born Decem­ ber 4, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Courtney R. Carter, Savannah, Ga. John Clifford East, born January 5, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry K. East, San Francisco, Calif. Cara Lynn DeLoach, born De­ cember 11, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee B. DeLoach, Chickasaw, Ala. Mary Yvette Scramuzza, born January 4, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scramuzza, New Or­ leans, La. Mark Kostegan, born December 15, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Kostegan, Everett, Mass. Brenda Carol Gibbs, born De­ cember 2, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Gibbs, Yuma Ariz. Margaret Karen Abrams, born January 1, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abner A. Abrams, Mobile, Ala. Lewis Eugene Hartley, born Novemeber 7, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis E. Hartley, Mobile, Ala. Elaine Marie Buzalewski, born January 3, 1956. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Buzalewski, Reading, Pa. Luz Garcia, born December 26, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ar- -T �fi.- Vol. XViii No. 3 SEAFARERS AWARDED FIRST PRIZE GENERAL EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE 195S • LOG INTERNATIONAL LABOR PRESS OP AMERICA • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • Probe Shakedown Of Seamen's Kin Via Mail Appeal BOSTON—us postal authorities here are looking into the revival of an old racket which seems to be flourishing in the hands of chiselers preying on local seamen's families. The gimmick used by these > sharpies is to write to a man s money should be sent to them so wife or mother saying that that they can take care of him. her husband or son is very sick or in bad trouble, and needs $50, $75 or $100 right away. Invariably they will say they are a friend of the husband or son and that the Standing Guard Seafarer Julian D. Delgado, AB, stands the gangv/ay watch on the Kathryn while she is docked in New York. 'Will Oppose Pact Curbs' Mm fr'^ i - ; (Continued on page 5) for establishment of a maritime board with full authority to impose its own terms in any maritime labor contract matter. It was this proposal which came under strong SIU fire from the start. The committee also Indicated that it would look into the opera­ tion of the subsidy program in line with SIU criticism of the present administration of subsi­ dies. The SIU held that subsi­ dies were being used for the bene­ fit of a limited number of opera­ tors instead of the industry as a whole, and in some instances. Gov­ ernment funds were being used to shore up incompetent and ineffi­ cient operators. The committee declared, in this respect, that "it is incumbent upon the Maritime Administration to see to it that sound and efficient management is in control of all subsidized companies." Copies of the SIU letter have been sent to Chairman Bonner and to all the members of the Mef-chant Marine Committee. One such case was uncovered here during the last two weeks after one chiseler learned of a man's home address and wrote his wife that her husband was sick and needed $50 right away. She sent the money, but when she didn't hear anything further, asked authorities to check. Urge Caution They found that her husband wasn't even on the ship mentioned and turned the case over to the Post Office Department on the ground that the guy had used the maii to defraud. In this connection, SIU Port Agent James Sheehan noted. Sea­ farers are urged to advise their families to contact the nearest Union hall immediately if they are approached and asked to send money to a stranger. Those con­ cerned can probably avoid financial loss as well as unnecessary heart­ ache by taking this precaution. Mourn Local Seafarers Three Seafarers who were aboard the ill-fated Salem Mari­ time when it exploded in Lake Charles, La., have returned here still badly shaken up. Although neither Ralph Rice, Edward O'Connell or Frank Albano were serious­ ly injured, they are suffering from shock, nervousness and minor, in­ juries. O'Connell and Albano have applied to the hall for new Union books and will also have to wait until the Coast Guard issues them a new set of seamen's papers before they can ship out. Rice is still at home under a doctor's care. Ernest Belkner, Leo Kennedy, Fred Fall and James Small, all of whom generally shipped out of this hall, were among the is Sea­ farers lost in the disaster. The ship ran into this port regularly. SIU, A&G District BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Ear] Sheppard, Agent EAstern 7-4900 BOSTON 276 State St. James Sheehan, Agent Richmond 2-0140 HOUSTON 4202 Canal St. C. Tannehill, Acting Agent Capital 7-6558 LAKE CHARLES, La 1419 Ryan St. Leroy Clarke. Agent HEmlock 6-5744 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Cal Tanner. Agent HEmlock 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 523 BienviUe St. Lindaey Williams, Agent Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 675 4tb Ave., Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6600 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. Ben Rees, Agent MAdison 2-9834 PHILADELPHIA ...337 Market St. S. Cardullo. Agent Market 7-163S - PUERTA de TIERRA PR Pelayo 51—La 5 Sal CoUs, Agent ^ Phone 2-5996 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St Leon Johnson. Agent Douglas 2-5475 Marty BreithoS, West Coast RepresenlaUve SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St E. B. McAuley. Acting Agent Phone 3-1728 SEATTLE ...2505 1st Ave. Jeff Gillette, Agent Elliott 4334 XAMPA 1809-1811 N. PranKlin St. Tom Banning, Agent > Phone 2-1323 January 11 Through January 24 Registered Deck A Port Deck B EM. A EM. B 2 19 3 22 10 3 1 4 14 8 8 10 9 14 2 45 T 83 0 8 14 33 11 18 5 12 9 2 18 8 20 8 3 1 3 18 14 8 5 7 17 Deck B Eng. A Eng. B \ New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Savannah Tampa Mobile New Orleans Lake Charles Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle Deck A Total 6 127 204 ' Stew. A 3 67 6 27 3 2 10 18 47 6 22 2 13 9 stew. A 128 235 Stew. B Total A Total B 1 7 13 193 3 22 14* 102 28 11 5 5 2 21 4 53 11 128 5 31 11 59 5 11 12 * 35 6 32 5 .50 12 56 29 114 . 11 41 27 27 20 28 37 Total Reg. 12 243 3i 158 57 18 25 66 169 58 88 81 63 69 Stew. B Total A Total B Total Reg. 103 729 358 1087 Shipped Port Boston a........*...... Deck A Deck B 1Deck C 5 0 11 0 16 5 1 1 3 5 8 6 7 9 11 0 3 0 4 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 7 5 28 11 14 3 3 1 4 21 8 8 4 11 13 Deck C Eng. A 22 134 59 New York Philadelphia .......... 21 Baltimore 32 9 Norfolk Savannah .............. 1 3 Tampa ................ 6 Mobile 40 New Orleans Lake Charles 16 13 ' Houston 3 Wilmington 19 San Francisco 13 Seattle Deck Deck B A '... 240 Total 83 Eng. A Eng. Eng. B C 1 10 2 10 4 1 1 1 12 18 12 2 10 IT Stew. A 0 2 0 12 2 0 0 0 7 2 2 3 0 3 2 0 42 6 18 2 22 4 3 1 0 0 1 1 7 0 27 8 2 5 10 5 3 • 7 25 7 11 8 Eng. Eng. B C 101 • 33 Stew. Stew. Total B C A stew. A 170 0 12 1 129 0 50 8 68 4 . 15 0 4 0 5 0 17 1 88 6 ZOL 1 31 0 -10 0 55 7 34 stew. Stew. Total B, C A 57 28 544 Total B 1 27 4 30 10 2 8 4 25 31 23 16 26 39 Total B 241 Total Total Ship. C 0 6 0 24 7 0 0 0 11 8 3 5 2 17 13 162 54 122 32 8 8 21 124 65 57 31 83 90 Total1 Total Ship. C 83 868 Shipping slumped during the past two weeks. The result was 868 jobs were dispatcljed over the counter in SIU ports, while 1087 men were registered. No appreciable change was forecast for the current period. The number of jobs shipped reflected a drop of over 300 Stay Put For Idle Pay jobs from the total of the pre­ Seafarers who are collecting state unemployment benefits while on the beach waiting to ship are urged to stay, put and avoid changing their mailing addresses if they want to continue re­ ceiving their checks regularly. Several Seafarers have already experienced interruptions of from three to five weeks in getting their next check after they notified the state unemployment offices that they had moved and changed their mailing address. An average delay of a month is reported in mostjcases, causing considerable hardship to the men involved. WILMINGTON, Calif 505 Marino Ave. Reed Humphries, Agent.. Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS. . 675 4th Ave.. Bklyn. SECRETARY-TREASURER Paul Hall ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS J. Algina, Deck C. Simmons, Joint J. Volpian, Eng. W. Hall. Joint E, Mooney, Std. R. Matthews. Joint SUP HONOLULU PORT COLBOIUIB Ontario TORONTO. Ontario ...103 Durham St. Phone: 5591 272 King St. E. EMpire 4-5719 VICTORIA, BC 617H Cormorant St. Empire 4531 VANCOUVER. BC 298 Main St. PaciHc 3468 SYDNEY. NS 304 Charlotte St. Phone 6346 BAGOTVILLE, Queb6e........20 Elgin St. Phone: 545 THOROLD. Ontario 58 St. Davids St. CAnal ,7-3202 QUEBEC 85 St. Pierre St. Quebec Phone: 3-1569 SAINT JOHN .....85 Germain St. NB Phone.- 2-5232 18 Merchant St. Phone 5-8777 PORTLAND 211 SW Clay St. CApital 3-4336 RICHMOND. CALIF..610 Macdonald Ave. BEacon 2-0925 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St. Douglas 2-8363 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Main 0290 WILMINGTON 505 Marine Ave. ALPENA..... Terminal 4-3131 NEW YORK .676 4tb Ave., Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6165 BUFFALO. NY Great Lakes District . Canadian District HALIFAX, MS MONTREAL FORT WILUAM Ontario* • 128^5 HoUls St. Phone! 3-891] Ml Bt James St. West PLateau 8161 .*..130 Simpson Et. • phone: 3-3221 1215 N. Second Ave. Phone: 713-J 180 Main St. Phone; Cleveland 7391 CLEVELAND 734 Lakeside Ave.. NE Phone: Main 1-0147 DETROIT 1038 3rd St. Headquarteri*Phone; Woodward 1-6857 DULUTH 631 W. Michigan St. Phone: Randolph 2-4110 SOUTB CHXCAGO.. 3261 E. 02nd St. 'Phone: Esses 5-3419 vious two weeks. In turn, only on# port, Houston, showed a real in­ crease over its last performance, and three others, Boston, Phliadeiphia and Seattle, improved only slightly. Baltimore, Lake Charles and San Francisco, however, still held to a fair pace despite tha overall dip. Transfers Contributed Foreign-flag transfers, sales of a number of ships to non-SIU com­ panies and the added loss of ona through the disaster at Laka Charles involving the Salem Mari­ time accounted for most of tha slump. On the basis of a seniority break­ down, class A men took 63 percent of the total Jobs, class B another 28 percent and class C, which has no seniority in the SIU, grabbed the remainder. Five of the 14 ports shipped no men in class Q at alk Port Forecast Following is the forecast port by port; BOSTON: Still on slow bell . . . NEW YORK: Very slow . . . PHILADELPHIA: Very little relief in sight . . . BALTIMORE: Quiet . . ; NORFOLK: Slow . . . SAVAN­ NAH: Remains very quiet , . . TAMPA: No activity . . . MOBILEi Should improve . . . NEW OR­ LEANS: Should stay slow ... LAKE CHARLES: Good; needed help to fill jobs . . . HOUSTONt Fair . . . WILMINGTON:. Holding Its own . . . SAN FRANCISCOt Cbntinues good . « . SEAT1;LE: Good. . - � 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 February 3, 1956 Description An account of the resource Headlines: HEARINGS OPEN ON SURVIVAL OF ’50-50’ PROBE CAUSE OF SHIP BLAST--DEATH TOLL RISES TO 21 UNION HELP ON THE SPOT IN DISASTER LAX LOADING RULE HINTED BY CS AIDE HEARING ON SHIP TIPS IN IDLE PAY ELECTRIC STRIKERS APPLAUD SIU AID PHS FUNDS SEEN SAFE THIS YEAR STD. COMMITTEE DRAFTING FINAL WORK RULES REPORT ‘WILL OPPOSE ANY FUTURE BARGAINING LIMITS’ – SIU BALTIMORE SIU TO AID TAVERN UNION IN DRIVE NY DOCKMEN GET IBL PLEDGE CARD SEAFARER RACEDFIRE TO SHORE ‘ONE LAST BEER’ SAVED DECK TRIO REFUSAL TO SEPARATE SAVED LIVES OF 3 TRAPPED MEN APPEALS BD. REPORTS ON HIRING RULE MOBILE MAW WINS SHIPYARD PAY RAISE ITEMIZE DR. BILLS, TAMPA MEN HEAR HARDING MEN PRAISED BY EX-SKIPPER DIGEST OF BONNER COMMITTEE REPORT MA AMENDS EASY TRANSFER POLICY SF SHIPPING HOLDING UP ‘STILL BEST IN WEST’ IS SEATTLE SHIPPING BOAST ACTIONS BY SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD HOMELIKE FORMOSA PLEASES SEAFARERS BIENVILLE’S ON GAY TRIP TO FAR EAST SHIPS LICK BOREDOM IN MANY WAYS PROBE SHAKEDOWN OF SEAMEN’S KIN VIA MAIL APPEAL 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 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2/03/1956 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. XVIII, No. 3 1956 Periodicals Seafarers Log