Seafarers Log: Vol. 19 No. 17 (1957-08-02)

SEAFARERS <H.OC
• OFFICIAL GROAN OF THI SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND OULF DISTRICT • AFL CIO •

COURT VOIDS BAN
-Story On Page 3

Farm Lobby Raps '50-50' Again
-Story On Page 5

*1# AS Cg^gm Shipboard conditions enjoyed by SIU
• •' ijeil# men are described by Seafarers John
Calamia (left) and Pete Valentine during television in­
terview by announcer John Kent aboard the Del Sud
(Mississippi) in New Orleans. Local TV viewers were
taken on a tour of the Delta Line passenger ship during
an hour-long program presented by Station WDSU-TV.
Ship's stack provided backdrop for the cameras.

New Orleans Seafarers turn to
with AFL-CIO building trades­
men to build homes for victims of
Hurricane Audrey at Cameron,
La. Red Cross donated the mate­
rials for the volunteer building ef­
fort. Seafarer Bernie Guarino
(white cap) is visible on roof.
An SIU contingent from Lake
Charles worked nearby. (Story
on Page 16.) . .,

fit This issues

PHS SPEAKS OUT ON CANCER
Strong PHS statement linking can­
cer and cigarettes arouses new
concern Page 8

SIU Holds
Coal Lead
.. .Page 2

Seek Robin
Ship Vote
.. .Page 3



Pace Two SEAFARERS LOG Aociut 18, 1951

Court Voids
Ala. Fee On
Organizers

GUIN, Ala.—A Federal judge has
thrown out this town's licensing
restrictions on labor union organi­
zers. Judge H. H. Grooms invali­
dated the local ordinance requiring
organizers to pay a $1,000 fee and
$25 for each worker signed up.

The ordinance is similar to bills
passed in Baxley, Ga., and other
.southern towns which are the sites
of anti-union firms. In the Alabama
instance, the International Ladies
Garment Workers Union was try­
ing to organize a plant of the Mun-
singwear Company, manufacturers
of women's hose and undergar­
ments. An ILGWU organizer,
William von Bach, was jailed while
visiting the home of a company
employee. He was later released
and warned that he would be
arrested every time he came back
to town.

The union filed an application
for a temporary injunction against
enforcement of the ordinance,
which was granted by the Federal
court.

-f

Curran Ducks Out On Blacklist;
Passes Buck To Shipowners

After three months of total silence on the existence of an industry-wide blacklist cov­
ering the membership of the National Maritime Union, NMU President Joseph Curran was
compelled to acknowledge it in the last "Pilot," the NMU's official organ. At the same time,
Curran attempted to disavow •
any connection with the sys­
tem he negotiated.

Curran's belated admission fol­
lowed publication of the blacklist
(tory in the LOG of July 19.
The LOG related how the Ameri­
can Merchant Marine Institute put
the blacklist into effect last April
30 after winning the approval of
the NMU and amending the em­
ployment clause in the NMU agree­
ment.

Under the blacklist system, a.ny
seaman who was ever fired off an
NMU ship can be refused employ­
ment by all NMU-contracted com­
panies.

Curran's silence on the blacklist
until the LOG forced his hand is
understandable in light of the sen­
sitivity of seamen on the issue.
Since seamen do not normally
work steadily on one ship but con­
stantly have to be hired for jobs,
their livelihood is particularly sus­
ceptible to this kind of pressure.
In fact, it is understood that a
number of NMU members have al­
ready been barred in the last few
months with the NMU's tacit ap­
proval.

Under the circumstances, Curran
attempted to sidestep the issue by
blasting the SIU at great length,
as predicted in the LOG, and at­
tempting to obscure the existence
of the blacklist as some kind of
offhand arrangement (a "hair-
brained scheme" he calls it) be­
tween the institute and Marine In­
dex instead of the full-fledged
blacklist machinery he had nego­
tiated. Further, Curran claims,
NMU first heard of the plan "with­
in the last two weeks," that is,
when it appeared in the SEAFAR­
ERS LOG.

Curran's account fails to jibe
with the statement of Ralph Casey,
president of the American Mer­
chant Marine Institute, who wrote
to all AMMI-affiliated companies
on April 30, 1957, the following:

"This problem [of shipboard
'discipline—Ed.] was taken iip

with the National Maritime
Union and the Union Indicated
a desire to cooperate, draft
proposals were prepared, dis­
cussed, and finally, the em­
ployment clause in the collec­
tive bargaining agreement was
amended . . .

"As a corollary to this re­
vised employment clause the
Committee for Companies and
Agents has developed a system
whereby serious breaches of
discipline on the part of any
unlicensed crewmember con­
cerning which an official log
book entry is made and for
which a man is subsequently
fired will be reported to the
Marine Index Bureau . .
From there the letter goes on to

describe how the companies can
get information on any man from
the bureau for $1 and can refuse
to hire him if they so desire.

According to the AMMI presi­
dent then, his committee met with
the NMU, the union agreed to go
along and the union and the com­
panies amended their hiring clause
in the contract to pave the way for
the blacklist. Acording to Curran,
no such thing ever happened and
he just heard about it all two weeks
ago.

Further, according to Curran as
of October 25, 1956, "We have told
the shipowners we are prepared to
meet with them at any time to dis­
cuss discipline" as a corollary to
the agreement reached with the
companies for a one-for-one log­
ging limit such as the SIU had.

All of this would seem to prove
to a rational observer the LOG'S
charge that the blacklist was agreed
to by NMU in exchange for outlaw­
ing the two-for-one loggings.

The wide inconsistencies between
Curran's own statement of Octo­
ber 25, 1956 and his position in the
August 1 "Pilot," and between Cur­
ran's and Casey's accounts of how
the blacklist developed are no sur­
prise. The SIU has maintained that
these direct contradictions for the

sake of the expediency of the mo­
ment are a pattern which the NMU
president has followed since his
entry into the maritime labor move­
ment.

While Curran now thunders
against the SIU for revealing the
blacklist he conveniently ignored
for three months, he gives little
indication of what action NMU will
take, if any, under the prod of the
LOG'S exposure. He declared only
that NMU "took firm steps to as­
sure that nothing like that is going
to operate in our end of the indus­
try." What these "firm steps" will
be was not revealed. The only "firm
step" known of so far is that Cur­
ran has written a letter denouncing
the system he negotiated, but we
are told that "a full report will be
made when the issue is resolved."

SIU Retains Coal
Job Lead Despite
Co. Aid To NMU

American Coal Shipping again intervened vigorously on
behalf of the National Maritime Union in the past two weeks'
fight for the coal ships. Three more Seafarers were fired to
give the NMU a hand. In-*-a
addition, four NMU members
who were fired off the Walter
Hines Page were reinstated by the
company's shoreside brass, and the
chief engineer who had made the
mistake of firing NMU members
got his walking papers.

One of the Seafarers fired, Moses
Lucas, had gone aboard the Cleve­
land Abbe originally as night cook
and baker and had been promoted
to chief cook. But the company
shoreside officials simply plucked
him off the ship claiming he had
been hired "illegally." They based
this claim on the fact that he had
two different discharges, one say­
ing "2nd cook" and the other
"baker."

Lucas' Job was not thrown up
for grabs, but was handed to the
NMU by the company on the
grounds that the NMU man whom

Two SIU men fired ofF the
Walter Hines Page are bosun
Otto B. Hansen, SUP (left),
and Seafarer Tom Bubar, OS.

Lucas had beaten out was entitled
to the post.

The incident on the Page
stripped away all pretense of com­
pany neutrality in the fight. It
provided the strongest evidence yet
obtained by the SIU of open part­
nership between the company and
the NMU. But despite it all, the
SIU still continues to hold the lead.
The latest count stands at 101 to 95
with the SIU due to pick up an­
other job in replacing an NMU
member whom the company was
forced to concede it had hired in
violation of the court order.

Ironically enough the chief engi­
neer is a member of Mine Work­
ers District 50, which is part owner

of American Coal Shipping. But
being a member of management, so
to speak, was no protection for him
when he stood in fhe way of the
NMU-company partnership.

The company's obvious objective
is to press its discriminatory ac­
tions ship by ship in the hope of
using up the SIU's supply of old-
timers. Countering the company's
action, the four-man coordinating
committee in charge of the cam.-
paign called for more intensive or­
ganizing activity to supply replace­
ments for the coal ships.

The committee consisting of Mor­
ris Weisberger, Sailors Union; Ed
Turner, Marine Cooks; Sam Ben­
nett, Marine Firemen, and Paul
Hall, Atlantic and Gulf District,
characterized the company's action
as "more of the same type of com­
pany collusion with NMU that we
have been faced with since the
start of our organizing drive. The
only difference now is that the
company is going to greater and
greater lengths in frantic efforts
to stack the deck for the NMU.

"This calls for intensified efforts
on the part of our membership to
back up the coal ship oldtimerg
who have been doing such a splen­
did job in the face of this company-
NMU discrimination."

How The NMU-AMMI Blacklist Works
Under the blacklist agreement negotiated between the NMU and

the AMMI any NMU man can be barred by any shipping company if
he has been fired just once from an NMU ship. There is no provi­
sion in the agreement for any appeal from the blacklist.

Here is the step-by-step procedure:

• An NMU member gets fired. The skipper enters the reason
for the firing in the log book as a "serious breach of discipline."

• A record of the firing goes to the Marine Index Bureau, an out­
fit which specializes in collecting information about injured sea­
men and which once was part of a labor spy apparatus aimed at the
SIU.

• The seaman who was fired goes to another shipping company on
a job referral. The company calls Marine Index and asks th?m if
there is any record on the seaman. This request for information
costs them $1.

• Marine Index simply reports what the skipper said about the
seaman. Then the company is within its rights, under the amended
NMU hiring agreement, to reject the man. The net effect is to
deprive the seaman of his employment rights anywhere in maritime.

• Since it is the company hiring boss who makes the final deci­
sion on the basis of the skipper's word, there is no way under this
system to protect good union men from company retaliation. Skip­
pers who want to get rid of militant men for good simply have to
fire them once and that's the last time the man will set foot on a
ship. The system is open to all sorts of abuses since it can be em­
ployed for vengeance on any NMU man who is the target of some­
body's personal dislike.
* •. I t j'O. I .1 . . . ' <•

FCC Urges
Inter-Ship
Radiophone

The Federal Communications
Commission has revived proposals
for the Installation of bridge-to-
bridge radio telephones, to cut
down on the number of collisions
between .merchant ships.

Present means of communica­
tions between two vessels in a
harbor or on a sea lane are too
slow, the Commission said. Mes­
sages must go from the bridge of
one vessel to the radio shack, then
be wired to the radio shack of tho
other vessel and then down to tho
bridge.

But Federal rules, the Commis­
sion said, allow for the installation
of low-powered, short-range, VHF
(very high frequency) radio-tele­
phone equipment on vessels.

Coast Guard officials have held
that such equipment could have
prevented the collisions in New
York harbor between the Exbrook
and Marine Courier and the Alcoa
Pilgrim and the African Star.

SEAFARERS LOG
Aug. 16,1957 Vol. XIX No. 17

PAUL HALL, Secretary-Treaiurer
HERBERT BRAND. Editor. BERNARD SEA­

MAN, Art Editor. HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWIN
SPIVACX, AL MASKIN, JOHN BRAZIL, Staff
Writers. BILL MOODY, Gulf Area Repre­
sentative,

PubllshDd blWMkly DT th« h«adquart«rD
of the Seafarart International Union, At­
lantic a Gulf District, AFL-CIO, <75 Fourth
Avenue, Brooklyn 33. NY. Tel. HYaclnth
9-4600. Entered as second class matter
at the Post Office In Brooklyn, NY, under
the Act of Aug. 34, 1913.



Annut l§i 1951 SEAFARERS LOG Par* Uvea

•M! '•
PR Dock Conditions Spotlighted

Longshore condifions In Puerto Rico shared spotlight with planned
Great Lakes drive by AFL-CIO Int'l Brotherhood of Longshore-
men at last month's IBL convention In Chicago. Here, SlU Sec­
retary-Treasurer Paul Hall |2nd from left) discusses situation on the
island with Council IS prexy-Juan Perez Roa. Maritime Trades
Dept. secretary Harry O'Reilly (left) and IBL president Larry
Long look on. Hall reaffirmed SlU's support for IBL as voted by
SlU membership, In his address to the convention.

Court Throws Out
La. Sheriffs Picket
Ban On Seafarers

NEW ORLEANS—A Federal jurist has slapped down efforts by a southeast
Louisiana sheriff to bar an SIU picket line from his jurisdiction. By refusing to
permit picketing at the Superior Derrick Corp., a subsidiary of Atlantic and Gulf
Stevedores, Sheriff Ches-

I

ter Wooten had deprived
SIU representatives and
members of their constitu­
tional rights. That was the
conclusion reached b y
Judge Herbert W. Christen-
berry of New Orleans in or­
dering the sheriff and his
deputies not to interfere with
peaceful picketing at a bulk cargo
loading facility operated by Super­
ior Derrick.

Accordingly, the Federal jurist

SIU ASKS ROBIN SHIP VOTE

The Robin Line issue arose in
March when Moore - McCormack
purchased the ships from Seas
Shipping. Part of the purchase
agreement was that Seas Shipping

SCHEDULE OF
SIU MEETINGS

SIU membership meet­
ings are held regularly
every two weeks on Wed­
nesday nights at 7 PM in
all SIU ports. All Sea­
farers are expected to
attend; those who wish to
be excused should request
permission by telegram
(be sure to include reg­
istration number). The
next SIU meetings will be:

August 21
September 4

September 18
October 2

One of tfis eight Robin Line vessels covered In election petitions filed at the labor board by the SIU,
the Robin Sherwood is shown on arrival at Capetown some time ago.

The SIU has filed with the National Labor Relations Board seeking certification as bar­
gaining representative for the Robin Line ships now owned and operated by Moore-McCor-
mack Lines. SIU petition action calling for voting on these vessels to determine who should
have the right to represent •
and negotiate for the crews'
was taken at the NLRB's re­
gional oifice on Friday, August 9.

The SIU took this step to pro­
tect the job rights of Seafarers
aboard the Robin Line ships after
Moore McCormack, the new own­
ers of the ships, placed them and
their crews under the jurisdiction
of the National Maritime Union
contract. This was done despite
the wishes of the men involved and
a lengthy record of SIU bargaining
rights for Robin Line crewmem-
bers.

NMU Pressured Men
Following Mooremack's action,

the NMU put pressure on Seafar­
ers on the Robin Line ships either
to join the NMU or get off the
Ships altogether and lose their
jobs. Seafarers who signed on
these ships under SIU contract
conditions and with SIU welfare
protection have been compelled to
accept NMU wages, contract and
welfare provisions. Some of these
provisions, particularly In the wel­
fare area, are inferior to the
SIU's.

The petition action then, seeks
to win for these crewmembers the
right to a union of their own
choosing, instead of one imposed
on them by Mooremkck.

was not to compete against Robin
Line in the South African trade
for which Robin ships had a sub­
sidy.

Once before, the NMU had at­
tempted seizure of Robin Line
ships when it challenged SIU rep­
resentation in the fleet back in
1940, along with similar challenges
against Calmar and Ore vessels
and ships of the Baltimore Insular
Line. The results were a series of
election victories for SIU—three
to one over NMU in Baltimore In­
sular; 323 to 9 "no union" votes
in Calmar and 199 to 1 "no union
vote in Robin out of 210 eligible
votes. Robin Line signed a con­
tract with SIU in July, 1941, fol­
lowing the outcome of the vote
and has been under SIU agree­
ments ever since.

In addition to the Robin Line
ships, Mooremack operates ans.
other division known as Pacific
Republic Lines which is under con­
tract to the SIU Pacific District.
Two other major operators, Grace
and Luckenbach, have similar con­
tractual arrangements.

Ships involved in the petition
are the Robin Trent, Robin Locks-
ley, Robin Hood, Robin Goodfel-
low, Robin Gray, Robin Mowbray,
Robin Sherwood and Robin Kirk.

issued a temporary restraining
order against the sheriff, his chief
deputy, Albert Cosse, or any other
law enforcement officers in the
parish from interfering with, pre­
venting or molesting SIU repre­
sentatives and company workers
"from peacefully assembling,
peacefully picketing and peace­
fully publicizing their dispute with
the employer."

Must Permit Visits
The court also ordered the sher­

iff to stop interfering with SIU
representatives' visits to the par­
ish "for the purpose of contacting
and visiting employees of Superior
Derrick Corporation or other mem­
bers, applicants or potential mem­
bers."

The SIU's attorneys had gone to
court asking for the restraining
order when the sheriff and his
deputies ordered Seafarers to stop
picketing the plant and to leave
the parish "within five minutes."
When the picketing was resumed
the sheriff had four Seafarers ar­
rested; SIU representatives Tom
Gould and Martin Gould and Sea­
farers Louis Camara and Edward
Rosener. They were subsequently
released under bond.

The Superior Derrick Corp. had
been organized by the SIU pi'ior
to the strike with all but two of
approximately 60 employees sign­
ing SIU Harbor and Inland Water­
ways Division pledge cards. The
company operates heavy lift float­
ing derricks in New Orleans harbor
and a coal loading installation at
Wood Park south of that city.

Company Barred Pact
When the union was unable to

arrange a meeting with the com­
pany to talk contract terms, the
men on the derricks and the em­
ployees at the Wood Park facility
went on strike.

The SIU set up a two-man pick-
etline at the entrance to the Wood
Park facility. Six employees went
through the line without any in­
cident. The rest of the striking
Wood Park employees, about 30
to 35 in all, were sitting nearby

but not participating in the picket­
ing.

It was then, the SIU petition
charged, that the sheriff told th*
SIU "there would be no strike*
and no picketing in Plaquemin*
Parish" and warned Seafarers to
stop the picket line. Subsequent­
ly, the SIU men were ordered out
of the parish when they gathered
at a site one mile away from tho
struck property. The arrests fol­
lowed their refusal to abide by th*
sheriff's illegal orders.

BlameSlump
In Return Of
Gov't Ships

WASHINGTON — With a cargo
slump now plaguing the shipping
industry, the Maritime Adminis­
tration has announced that it i*
willing to take back some of tho
Government - chartered Victory*
and Libertys before the charters
are up. The tonnage will be ac­
cepted by the Government if the
operator retains other charter
ships for a period of time sufficient
to cover the charter hire on tho
first ship for 12 months.

Otherwise, the operator will
have to pay 50 percent of the
charter hire rate even if the ship
is already turned back to the Gov­
ernment.

It is reported that about 20
ships now out on charters will be
turned back to the Government.

Many of the ships were broken
out last fall when a shipping short­
age threatened as a result of tho
closing of the Suez Canal. How­
ever, the reopening of the canal
coupled with a decline in demand
for some bulk cargoes, particular­
ly coal, has reduced the need for
the breakout ships. A number of
them are idle for lack of cargo.

WHO GOOFED IN NMU ?
Somebody in the NMU got their wires crossed the other

day, and unintentionally tipped the NMU's mitt as responsible
for an anonymous, scurrilous attack on the SIU.

It seems it was thought a-^ —
bright idea to ring out an
assortment of phoney-baloney
charges and distribute them to SIU
ships under the guise of a letter
from "rank and file" Seafarers.
The letter exposed such imaginary
misdeeds as hushed-up thefts from
tlie Welfare Plan, blackmail pay­
offs, purchase of stocks by union
officials and similar drivel. The
authors tried hard to sound like
seamen but some of the phrase­
ology was a dead giveaway.

Well, all turned to with great
enthusiasm and started to crank up
ye olde mimeograph machine as
per the traditional NMU way. The
only trouble is that some eager-
beaver NMU patrolmen got their
signals mixed and started spouting
the anonymous letter line on board

ships even before the "rank and
file" mimeograph machine opera­
tors got the stuff off and into the
mails. Seems awfully odd that
NMU officials should know all
about it even before it happened.

Of course, this kind of tactic is
old hat for NMU dating back to the
"good old days." Back in May,
1955, a similar set of mimeographed
anonymous letters from so-called
"rank and file" SIU members by
strange coincidence echoed NMU
President Joe Curran's attack on
the late Harry Lundeberg in efforts
to drive a breach between the
Pacific District and the A&G.

Somehow, the tactic of the
anonymous letter hardly seems
suitable for one who professes to
be an authority on ethical practices.



Page Four SEAFARERS LOG Aufosi 16, 1957

• ! SlU Scholar Draws
$ Awards In Pairs

Seafarer Gene Sinclair right) is pictured with two other US trade
unionists also attending Ruskin College, Oxford, England, on labor
scholarships. Sinclair also won on SlU scholarship this year. With
him are William Paul of the electrical workers (left) and Nick
Styronovski of the oil workers.

Taking the good news in his stride, Seafarer Gene Sinclair
found out he'd won one of the five $6,000 SIU scholarships
for 1957 while he was winding up a year's study at Oxford,
England, under an earlier^" ~

This is the third in a series
of articles about the winners of

grant.
Sinclair and fellow Seafarer

John Sweeney, competing with
trade unionists from all over the
US, won two of the three scholar­
ships awarded by the Institute of
International Education last year.
These awards covered a year's study
at Ruskin College, Oxford, and
Coleg Harlech, Wales.

This was the first time on record
that any American union had two
winners at the same time. Two
other SIU men won similar awards
In previous years.

With that kind of background

the 1957
awards.

SIU scholarship

Hub Quiet;
Pick-Up Due

BOSTON—Thei e were not many
vessels hitting this port during the
past period and as a consequence,
shipping slowed down. But with a
couple of payoffs and in-transit
vessels expected during the next
two weeks, there should be more
jobs available for Seafarers on the
beach here.

The Bradford Island (Cities Serv­
ice) paid off during the period and
later hit port in transit. The Steel
Architect (Isthmian) and Valley
Forge iPenn. Nav.) also pulled into
port to be serviced. The Valley
Forge will remain here for a while,
taking on a load of scrap iron for
Spain.

All hands around the hall here
are keeping their eyes peeled for
oldtimers to help out in the Amer­
ican Coal Shipping beef. With the
company firing SIU men it's be­
come more important than ever to
find Seafarers with those old-time
discharges.

Be Sure To Get
Dues Receipts

Headquarters again wishes to
remind all Seafarers that pay­
ments of funds, for whatever
Union purpose, be made only
to authorized A&G representa­
tives and that an official Union
receipt be gotten at that time.
If no receipt is offered, be sure
to protect yourself by immedi­
ately bringing the matter to the
attention of the, secretaycy-treas-
urer's office. • ' A •

behind him, Sinclair hopes to enter
Columbia University this fall and
work towards a degree in econo­
mics. He'll return on a much more
secure footing this time, thanks to
the generous terms of the four-year
SIU scholarship. He previously
accumulated a year's credits at the
school, spread over a three-year
period.

His scholastic successes thus far
are all the more unusual because
be never actually completed high
school and whatever formal train-
ing he had came in fits and spurts.
The 28-year-old Seafarer shipped
out on his own after five attempts
at finishing school in as many
different cities got him nowhere.
He was being boarded out at
various foster homes during this
time.

Once he began sailing, Sinclair
stayed with it for most of the past
12 years, except for a wartime stint
with the army in Korea. He en­
tered Columbia originally by piling
up top grades on a special entrance
exam, and continued shipping with
the SIU between semesters.

Last year he worked his passage
over to Europe on a Wateiman
ship, but wound up in Bremer-
haven and had to make his own
way back to England. The year's
study on the scholarship at Ruskin
was an "eye-opener," he pointed
out. All the students, like himself,
had trade union backgrounds, and
were tbere for serious study, rather
than frills.

"While conditions there weren't
exactly austere, there was no strict
emphasis on 'tradition* as there
seemed to be at the other colleges
in Oxford. This put everybody on
equal terms. Labor problems are
pretty much the same over in Eng­
land as here and everywhere else,"
he added.

The Ruskin scholarship provided
an award of 325 pounds ($910 in
U.S. currency), which covered
room, board and tuition and left
him about $10 a week for odds and
ends.

Sinclair returned in style on the
Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth and
is now trying to make a couple of
trips before resuming classes at
Columbia this fall. He lives In New
York and sails in the deck depart­
ment

" ponjt Drop What
You're Holding I "

Working overhead has obvious risks
so fhe wise Seafarer sees to it that the
rig—whether bosun's choir or stage-
is sound and steady. But sometimes a
secondary precaution Is overlooked;
the necessity of seeing to it that the
tools being used are secure as well.

Even as small an item as a screw­
driver or a pair of pliers can do a
considerable amount of damage to
somebody's noggin if dropped from
a height of 50 feet. And the smaller
the tool, the easier it is to knock off
Q stage if it is put down without first

being secured either to the rigging or
the Seafarer's clothes.

Just from the point of view of con­
venience, a falling too! is a great
nuisance because it means descending
to the deck again, picking up the tool
and re-rigging the stage or bosun's
chair—a time-consuming and wasteful
process.

So after you've mode sure the rig
is safe, make sure your tools ore safe
too. It will make for more pleasant
relations between you and your ship­
mates.

j An SIU Ship is a Safe Ship i



August 16» 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Page Five

INQUIRING SEAFARER
QUESTION: li if easier for a seaman lo save money than for a man

In a shoreside job?.

Manuel Landron, bo sunt I
think it is much easier for a sea­

man. For one
thing he has no
room and board
to pay. It he goes
easy on the
draws, as I think
most family men
do, he comes
home with more
and can put It
away. I have

found it much easier to save in my
16 years at sea. It's also a much
better life.

4» it 4"
Angelo Romero, cook: It is up to

the particular man. If he is thrifty
at sea, or on
shore, then there
is no reason why
he can't save. A
seaman may save
It for two months
at sea and spend
the whole amount
in one shore
leave. Same with
a shoreside Job.
It ii just as easy to spend it all
overy weekend. i

4 4 4
Vernon Douglas, eook: No, it is

easier for a man working ashore to
save. He has to
save every week
in order to pay
the rent, food,
etc. But a sea­
man usually
blows it away
every time he
hits port. He
could, if he real-

^ ^ ly wanted to,
save much more. But there are
many more temptations for a sea­
man than a shoreside worker.

4
OS: I would
has a better

Al Freund, FWT; Sure its easier
for a seaman to save than for a guy

working ashore.
He has no ex­
penses to pay
His meals are
given him and
he has no rent
worries. But he
has to keep down
his spending in
foreign ports
Actually it is just

as easy to spend it in Japan as it is
in New York. Personally, I have
saved more at sea.

4 4
Thomas Filippelli,

say that a seaman
chance to save
than a guy work­
ing ashore. But it
is up to the sea­
man himself to
try by not draw­
ing too heavily in
the various ports.
I'm sailing be­
cause I want to
put something in ^
the bank and not to go and spend it
on the other side.

4 4 4
Gordon Bell, FWT: It is much

easier to save while at sea. I know
for I am a plum­
ber ashore, and
although I make
much more work­
ing on that Job
than I do sailing,
I found I save
more at sea. A
man ashore gets
paid every week
and has much

more of a chance to spend it where­
as a seaman, outside of his draws,
gets it all at once and does not
have his hands on the money so
often.

PHS Warns Of Asia Flu
Outbreak Throughout US

An outbreak of Asiatic influenza has been forecast for this
fall and winter by the Public Health Service. The PHS said
that 11,000 cases of the disease, which orirfnated In the Far
East earlier this year, have al- • ^ 1 year,
ready been reported in the
United States, and that many
more cases are likely when bad
weather sets in. The government
health agency said the disease
could, in bad weather, sweep from
San Francisco to Boston in four
weeks, incapacitating from 10 to 20
percent of the population. Just last
week 100 flu cases were reported
on the passenger ship Arosa Sky.

Asiatic flu, which Is caused by a
new strain of the influenza virus,
has a very low death rate. PHS
said, and only three deaths—all
from secondary infections—have
been reported among the 11,000
American cases. The PHS added

Quitting Ship?
Notify Union

A reminder from SIU head­
quarters cautions all Seafarers
leaving their ships to contact
the hall in ample time to allow
the Union to dispatch a replace­
ment. Failure to give notice be­
fore paying off may cause a de­
layed sailing, force the ship to
sail short of the manning re­
quirements and needlessly make
the work tougher for your ship­
mates.

fhat drug manufacturers were step
ping up production of antibiotics
like penicillin to combat pneu­
monia and other secondary infec­
tions.

Vaccine Being Readied
The PHS also announced that

American manufacturers of Asiatic
flu vaccine are working to turn out
four million doses for the Armed
Forces and another four million
for civilians by mid-September.
The Feb. 1 target is 60 million
doses, enough to Immunize one-
third of the population.

The agency said it is developing
a vaccine that will immunize in
one dose, and give protection for
a j'car. It added, however, that it
takes ten days to two weeks after
the injection before Immunity is
acquired.

The PHS recommended that In-
noculations should be given first
to medical personnel and,then to
civilians in essential services lilra
communication, transportation and
utilities. The transportation cate­
gory would presumably cover mer­
chant seamen.

The vaccine will most probably
be administered to seamen by the
Public Health Service. Tlie SEA­
FARERS LOG will notify Union-
members when the vaccine is
available.

Farm Bloc Launches Renewed
Attack On '50-50' Practices

WASHINGTON—A dispute between American and Japanese shipowners over the sharin
of farm cargoes purchased by Japan with American money has become the springboara
for a new attack on the "50-50" law. The American Farm Bureau Federation, a powerful
farm lobby, has jumped into^—— ^
the dispute on the side of the
Japanese and is attempting to
scuttle the "50-50" principle.

At last word the Maritime Ad­
ministration is reported close to
agreement between the contending
parties, but the incident reveals
that the farm lobby-foreign ship­
owner . bloc which came danger­
ously close to scuttling "50-50" two
years ago is still very much alive.

Japanese Loan

The dispute in question devel­
oped when the Japanese received
a ?175 million E,xport-ImiK)rt Bank
low interest loan and sought to
apply it to the purchase of farm
commodities. Under a 1934 law.
commodities purchased under such
loans are supposed to go 100 per­
cent on American ships. In prac­
tice the ."50-50" law has been ap­
plied wherever the nation receiv­
ing the loan does not discriminate
against US exporters and US ships.

In this instance, American ship­
ping groups have been charging
such discrimination while the
Japanese, on their side, have been
seeking to cut the American cargo
share to less than 50 percent, by
attempting to split the cargo on
the basis of freight revenue in­
stead of tonnage.

Maritinie interests in the United
States are concerned that a waiver
in this instance may lead to fur­
ther whittling away of the cargo
preference principle in other in­

stances where US taxpayers pro­
vide the cash for the cargoes. The
concern of the industry is aggra­
vated by the existing slump in
shipping and by a further decline
in US ships' share of the country's
foreign commerce. That share now
stands at 22 percent according to
latest Department of Commerce
figures.

The Farm Bureau pitch is that
the Japanese have "threatened" to
seek Canadian assistance if
they do not get their way. There­
fore. the Bureau argues, the US
should bypass "50-50" and let the
Japanese have as much of the
cargo as they want.

Dollar Discrimination
There have been reports of dis­

crimination against Americans bj
Japanese banks over payment in
US dollars. Under the loan, credits
given are not to be used to pay for
the freight charges for transport­
ing the commodities. This is to be
paid in "free" US dollars held by
Japan. But it has been hinted that
if American-flag ships are to be
used exclusively to transport the
goods, Japanese banks will not
make the dollars available.

What all of this amounts to is a
request by Japan for a low-interest
loan of American money, to pur­
chase surplus American commodi­
ties at low prices, and permission
to ship them in Japanese vessels in
direct competition with American-
flag ships.

AH Is Quiet
In Baltimore

BALTIMORE — "Affairs of the
Union in this port are in very good
shape," is the report from Balti­
more. "There weren't any beefs of
a nature that could not be handled
by the patrolmen. The ships' crews
generally have things under con­
trol" said Earl Sheppard, port
agent.

It has been quiet on the shipping
side during the last period. There
were 13 vessels paying off, seven
signed on, and 14 were in-ti-ansit.
The vessels paying off were the
Jean. Angelina. Evelyn, Mae,
Emilia (Bull); Marore, Feltore,
Baltore, Oremar (Ore); Council
Grove (Cities Service). Bethcoaster
(Caiman and Valley Forge (Penn,
Navigation!.

The Orion Planet (Colonial);
Steel Fabricator (Ishmian); An­
gelina, Mae. Emilia (Bull); Feltore
and Baltore (Ore) signed on.

In transit were the Oremar, San-
tore. Venore. Cubore, Marore (Ore);
Pennmar, Losmar, Alamar, Beth-
coaster (Calmar); Robin Kirk,
Robin Wentley (Robin); Alcoa
Planter (Alcoa) and the Sea Comet
11 (Ocean Carriers).

Despite the slack shipping, local
organizing efforts are moving along
well throughout the harbor area.

Pres. Hayes Crew
Heading Home

Glad to be back in the States
after round-the-world trip,
West Coast crewmen on
APL's converted Mariner SS
President Hayes stop off in
New York on final lap of long
voyage. The Presi dent
Hayes is one of four air-
conditioned c.ombination
ships now operated by
APL Above, representing
the Marine Cooks and Stew­
ards Union con tingent
aboard, are (seated, I to r) F.
Garcia, steward Charles
Hawkins, A. Leone, Roland
Smith. Standing, P. Lopez, L.
Roberson and Alberto Villore.
At left. Sailors Union mem­
bers, bosun Glen Peterson
[left] and Vic Tatko, DM get
in some necessary repairs on
one of the hydraulic batch
covers featured aboard the
^qriners,

Ln-i- -



Pare Sfar SEAFARERS LOG Aucast 16, 1957

I

m
|g
L;.

Franc Now
420 To $1

PARIS — Seafarers in France
will be getting more francs for
their dollars now. Through a
series of measures, the French
government has granted tourists
and other individuals a 20 percent
premium over the official exchange
rate of 350 francs to the dollar.
The new rate is 420 francs to the
dollar, or just about equal to the
going black market rate.

Finance Minister Felix Gaillard
said that the measure was neces­
sary and inevitable because of the
nation's shortage of foreign cur­
rency. Tourists had been avoiding
official exchanges and dealing with
the black market for their dollars.
This move, Gaillard said, will now
bring those dollars into the Gov­
ernment treasury.

Exporters Favored
Under the new rate French

tourists and businessmen going
abroad will have to pay 20 percent
extra for foreign currencies. But
French exporters will get a re­
imbursement of 20 percent when
they convert their funds back into
francs.

All This ...
And Hawaii Too

Pictured above are just two of
the almost 50 waitresses who
serve both passengers and
crew aboard the Matsonia.
The ship, on the Motson Line's
Los Angeles-Hawaii run, is
manned by SlU-West Coast
affiliates.

Another Billion Farm Aid
Okayed; '50-50' Intact

WASHINGTON—Congress has given approval to a bill in­
creasing the amount of surplus commodities to be sold to
foreign nations from $3 to $4 biHion, and extended the "50-50"
law which governs transpor-"*-
tion of the commodities sold
to 1958. The amendment,
which is expected to meet with
presidential approval, also in­
creases the amount of funds avail­
able for famine relief and other
assistance from 500 to 800 million
dollars.

• Following the Administi-ation's

Shipping Slow,
Lake Charles
Aids Relief

LAKE CHARLES—In coopera­
tion with the state's Building
Trades unions, reports Lcroy
Clarke, port agent. Seafarers on
the beach here and in New Orleans
have been giving their time to help
construct homes that have been de­
stroyed in hurricane-swept Camer­
on Parish and other areas on the
Louisiana-Texas border.

"We have been sending in 20 or
more men every weekend to as­
sist in the laying of the foundations
for these homes," he said.

United Effort
"It is really a pleasure to watch

Labor working as if they were one
man In the re-building of the
houses," Clarke stated. "We are
waiting for the Labor Committee
©n disaster relief to call and tell
us how many more men we can
furnish to do whatever we are
Deeded for." (See story on Page 16.)

Shipping in this port has held
Its own during the last two week
period but is not rebounding as
expected. There were 13 vessels
Calling Into the area during that
time.

The vessels were the CS Nor­
folk, Council Grove, Chiwawa, C
S Miami, Bents Fort, Bradford Is­
land, Winter Hill (Cities Service);
the Maxton, Coalinga Hills, Almena
(Pan-Atlantic); Petro-Chem (Valen­
tine); Del Alba (Mississippi) and
the Pan Oceanic Transporter (Penn.
Navigation).

policy of easing the cold war and of
drawing borderline Communist na­
tions from Russian domination, the
Senate included a provision permit­
ting barter transactions with such
countries. It left intact the provision
barring any barter transactions
with the USSR itself, with Com­
munist China or any territory
controlled or dominated by the
Communist Chinese.

Under the provision, the Presi­
dent has the authority to assist
friendly nations to be independent
of trade with the USSR and to
assure that none of the agricultural
products so sold would be made
available to Russia or Communist
China.

A $95 million deal covering agri­
cultural surplus and farm machin­
ery to be .shipped to Poland is al­
ready in the works. These ship­
ments will mark the first return of
US seamen to Poland since 1939.

The "50-50" law, which has been
termed the lifeline of the American
Merchant Marine, requires that at
least 50 percent of any surplus
commodities sold to foreign nations
be carried in American-fiag vesesls.

July 24 Through August 6

Excursion Boat
Crewman Lost

Seafarer Sidney Mojel lost his
life when he fell overboard from
the Hudson Belle, a Wilson Line
excursion vessel, while the ship
was getting ready to dock at 134th
Street and the Hudson River.

According to reports, Mojel was
handling a heaving line on the
HIWD-contracted ship when he
lost his balance and fell overboard.
Initial efforts to recover the body
were unsuccessful. Police later
found a body at 125th Street which
is believed to be that of the
missing Seafarer.

Afterwards, crewmembers on the
ship took up a collection for
Mojel's family and flowers for the
funeraL • . ( .

-J

Port Deck DecK Eng. Eng. Stew. Stew. Total Total Total
A B A B A B A B Reg.

Boston .. 10 5 3 6 6 1 19 12 31
New York .,. •••••••••••••••• .. 55 24 44 18 40 5 139 47 186
Philadelphia . .. 28 2 14 6 14 6 56 14 70
Baltimore .^. •••••••••••••a** .. 52 18 37 24 26 15 115 57 172
Norfolk .. 9 3 5 6 2 5 16 - 14 30
Savannah ... .. 8 0 6 4 0 2 14 6 20
Tampa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 9 0 1 2 6 0 16 2 18
Mobile aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 20 2 24 7 14 4 58 13 71
New Orleans aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 53 10 36 17 27 2 116 29 145
Lake Charles aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 6 6 10 7 6 2 22 15 37
Houston aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ..29 19 23 13 22 7 74 39 113
Wilmington .. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 23 14 13 15 22 7 58 36 94
San Francisco aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 22 18 23 18 18 13 63 49 112
Seattle aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 28 15 22 20 20 10 70 45 115

Deck DecR Eng. Eng. Stew. Stew. Total Total Total
A B A B A B A a Reg.

Total .... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 352 136 261 163 223 79 836 378 1214

Sh lipped
Port Deck Deck Deck Eng.

lipped
Eng. Stew. Stew. stew. Total Total Total Total

A B C A B'" C A B C A B C Ship.
Boston 3 I 1 2 0 4 1 1 7 6 2 15
New York ... 6 2 45 14 12 40 6 6 133 26 20 179
Philadelphia . 2 I 12 4 6 9 4 2 35 10 9 54
Baltimore .... 17 5 29 15 2 26 9 3 90 41 10 141
Norfolk 0 0 2 4 1 0 1 1 3 5 2 10
Savannah ,.... 3 0 10 5 0 8 1 0 27 9 0 36
Tampa 0 2 2 3 2 1 0 0 6 3 4 13
Mobile 3 0 16 3 4 12 2 2 40 8 6 54
New Orleans ., 10 0 37 6 7 25 5 3 113 21 10 144
Lake Charles . 10 6 8 4 5 4 2 20 13 6 39
Houston 3 0 21 7 5 17 9 1 65 19 6 90
Wilmington 3 0 7 3 0 6 4 8 22 10 8 40
San Francisco 14 5 17 10 0 13 12 2 46 36 7 89
Seattle 6 0 10 10 2 8 3 1 32 19 3 54

Deck Deck Deck Eng. Eng. Eng. itew. Stew. Stew. Total Total Total Total
A B 1 C A B C A B c A B e Ship.

Total 71 16 215 94 45 174 61 32 639 226 93 958

SIU shipping fell to the lowest point of the past year and a half during the last period,
matching the steady drop to the bottom which bulk cargo and tanker charter rates have
been experiencing all this year.

Even so, relatively few US-^
flag ships are idle now for
lack of cargoes. The difference
rests, instead, on reductions in the
size of the active American mer­
chant fleet caused by transfers for­
eign and lay-ups for conversions
and modernization programs. Total
shipping for the district was 958
jobs. Registration dropped a bit,
but was still high.

Only four SIU ports showed
shipping gains over the previous
period, but the improvement was
of little consequence in all of them.
Baltimore, Savannah, Lake Charles
and Wilmington listed the gains
while all the rest declined. New
Orleans, in turn, remained the
same: fair.

Reversing the usual pattern, en­
gine department shipping was
heavier than job activity in the
deck department. The black gang
also accounted for almost half of
the class C jobs dispatched. Reg­
istration and shipping for the stew­
ard department were almost even.

Class C activity generally re­
flected the overall shipping pic­
ture. Jobs filled by this non-
seniority group hit an 18-month
low, while class A continues to
fill fully two-thirds of the total
shipping. Class B shipping rose
to 23 percent of the total. A and
B men aren't holding back on jobs
while the pickings appear slim.

The following is the forecast
port by port: Boston: Slow ...
New York: Holding its own . . .
Philadelphia: Steady .. . Baltimore:
Fair . . . Norfolk. Slow ... Sa­
vannah: Fair . . . Tampa: Slow . . .
Mobile: Fair . . . New Orleans:
Good . . . Lake Charles: Fair . . .
Houston: Good . . . Wilmington:
Good . . . San Francisco: Good ...
Seattle: Good.

.71-

m

" qo i n o

A group of 156 prominent citi­
zens of the Gaspe peninsula have
petitioned Quebec's Premier Dup-
lessis to interv.e'ne and settle the
four-month-old strike of steelwork-
ers at Gaspe Copper Mines, Ltd.
at Muedochville. The group in­
cludes 36 Gaspe mayors and 16
deputy mayors. The strike started
on March 10 when the president of
the union local was fired. The
petition started when one striker
was killed and two others injured
in a dynamite blast near the mine.

4- 4- 4"
Wage Increases averaging 7.5

cents an hour have been won by
20,000 teamster members in 56
locations under a new contract
with Montgomery Ward & Co. The
agreement includes a guaranteed
minimum weekly income, arbitra­
tion of grievances, improved over­
time and holiday pay provisions
and other gains. The company also
agreed to grant automatic wage
increases after three and nine
months of service. Most of the
workers in mail order houses, pools
and warehouses and non-selling
employees of attached retail stores
will get an average increase of
about 11 cents an hour.

4" 4- 4"
The United Rubber Workers

have announced the signing of con­
tracts with five major companies
calling for a 15-cent-an-hour pack­
age increase for over 85,000 rubber
employees. The settlement, under
a reopening clause in their contract
which expires May 15, 1959, covers
workers of Goodyear Tire and
Rubber Co., B. F. Goodrich, US
Rubber, Firestone Tire and Rubber
and General Tire and Rubber Com­
pany. Part of the increase is for
previously-negotiated night shift
differential increases and to correct
local intra-plant inequities.

4i 4" 4"
The "Lima Citizen," a newspaper

mannqd by employees striking at
!the t ^'Lirna (Ohio) News»''.v claims

7';.S *• 0w'

that it is being read in 92 percent
of the homes in Lima. The "Citi­
zen" also claims to have taken
more than its share of classified
and display advertising from the
News, It has an average daily
circulation of around 25,000. The
pre-strike circulation of the "News"
was about 34,000. The "News" was
struck by the Newspaper Guild
when the company refused to sign
a contract. They were soon fol­
lowed by the ITU, stereotypers and
pressman, as well as other unions
involved with the paper.

3) 4» 4"
A nationwide boycott of chairs

made by the Streit Manufacturing
Co. was instrumental in winding
up a three-year union fight for
the Upholsterers Local 156, said
business representative J. E. Chap­
man. The boycott not only ended
the strike, he said, but also re­
sulted in the removal of the conv
pany's management board and ths
installation of a full union shop.

4" 4) 4"
A1 Hartnett, secretary-treasurer

of the International Union of Elec­
trical Workers has denounced ths
Russian Embassy in Washington
for employing a non-union paint­
ing and decorating firm for exten­
sive renovation work in the em­
bassy. He said that the embassy,
located directly across the street
from the lUE headquarters, delib­
erately selected the scab firm in
spite of the large choice of union
firms in the city.

USPHS Has Last
Say On Duty Slip

Under the SIU contract, US
Public Health Service doctors
have the final say on whether
or not a man Is fit for duty. If
there is any question about
your fitness to sail, check with
the nearest USPHS hospital or
out>patient cllnio for a ruling.

i I



Anmst K, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven

TOUR DOllAR'S WORTH
Seafarer's Guide To Better Buying

By Sidney Margoliua

Food Staples Cause Of HCL
"Convenience foods," meaning factory-prepared foods like frozen

French fries, waffles, chicken pot pies and cake mixes now are being
widely blamed for the current rise in food prices. Everybody from
Agriculture Secretary Benson, state extension agents, newspaper
.writers and even some consumer spokesmen are telling you that to­
day's big food bills are your own fault because you're buying more
foods with "built-in maid service."

True, factory-prepared foods cost more, as you'll see in the com­
parative-cost list with this report. And there are many more of them.
Just among frozen foods, more than 170 different partly or fully-cooked
dishes are in the markets. ^

But the fact is, the increase in the use of factory-prepared foods has
nothing to do with the jump in food prices of 1.2 percent in just two
months this past Spring, of 3.2 percent in one year, and of 14 percent
since 1950. Such foods still take only four cents of your food dollar.
The other 96 cents still goes for staples—fresh meat, eggs, milk, vege­
tables. Changes in the retail price index of the Bureau of Labor Sta­
tistics are not affected by the increase in the use of prepared foods.
The price index merely measures the cost of the same foods each
month. These are 60 basic items, such as white flour, fresh meat, milk,
coffee, etc., generally in non-prepared form. As the food price index
goes up this summer, don't swallow the story that you're getting more
"maid service" for your money. You're not.

Market Costs Up
. The real culprit is higher marketing costs—^the cost of bringing the

food from the farm to your shopping cart. Recently about 59 cents of
your food dollar has been going
to marketing costs, and 41 cents to
the farmer, compared to a ratio of
ten years ago of 48 cents for mar­
keting costs and 52 cents to the
producer. Of these currently high­
er marketing costs, labor costs
generally have been selected as the
whipping boy by the US Agricul­
ture Department and the food in-

1 dustry. But the truth is, the Gov-
' ernment's own figures reveal that
labor costs have remained a re­
markably steady part of the total
marketing cost and even decreased
a bit in the most recent years for
which figures are available. In
1950, labor costs were 47.1 per­
cent of the total food marketing
bill; in '51, 46.9 percent; '52, 46.7
percent; '53, 47.1 percent; '54, 47.4
percent; |55, 46.8 percent.

Two reasons for higher food
prices are not publicized as much

as labor costs. One is the increased cost of supermarket retailing. The
big markets used to take a margin of only 16 cents of your shopping
dollar for their operating costa and profit. Now, a sample survey by
Super Market Merchandising, a trade publication, indicates the mar­
gin is getting up to 18-19 percent. The fact is, the big markets are
adding more and more costly services and fixtures from carry-out
boys to air conditioning, piped-in music and night opening hours.

Food Chains Rake It In
Another reason for advancing food costs is simply higher middlemen

profits. The First National City Bank's annual survey showed that food
chain corporations increased their profits 29 percent last year, the
third highest gain of any kind of business, and food processors boosted
their take 7 percent, compared to the average profit gain of 3 percent.

If you are using many factory-prepared foods these days, your own
eating costs are likely to be up more than even the price index indi­
cates. Factory-prepared foods are a home labor-saver, especially for
a woman who works. But some are especially costly. Frozen potato
products have become one of the most popular of all factory-prepared
dishes. One researcher found he could buy ten pounds of potatoes for
65 cents, but had to pay $3 for ten pounds of frozen French fries. An
especially ridiculous example is sugared dry cereals which actually
cost 50 percent more than if you sprinkled the sugar yourself over the
game type of cereal.

Here is a valuable comparison of a number of prepjred and fresh
foods, and processed and fresh produce, as calculated by the New York
Extension Marketing Service.

SlU Hosts New Orleans AFL-CIO Meeting

New council officers preside as SlU New Orleans hall plays hosi to regular meeting of the Central
Labor Union council of New Orleans and vicinity. AFL-CIO. At rostrum (I to r) are Charles D. Win­
ter, Teamsters Union, secretary-treasurer; A. P. Stoddard, Typographical Union, president, and H.
C. Moore, Barbers Union, secretary of the executive board. Louisiana was one of the first states to
effect statewide merger of AFL and CIO central bodies in 1956.

Alaska Fishery Pact Won
WRANGELL, Alaska—Aiter a ten-day strike, SlU-affiliated fish cannery workers, mem­

bers of the Alaska Marine District Union, have won all their demands from the employers ,
despite sabotage by Harry Bridges' longshore union.

The SlU-affiliated fisher- ^ •
men were aided in their sue- • Jf M #« 0g m MA Says 39 Seek

US Mortgage Aid
WASHINGTON—There are 39 active applications for US

Government aid in the form of 87% percent mortgage insur­
ance, the Maritime Administration announced. Seventeen
other applicants under the law"*^""

cessful fight by several West
Coast SIU of NA unions, including
the Sailors Union of the Pacific
and the Inland Boatmen's Union.
Other AFL-CIO unions including
the Carpenters and Machinists
aided the fishermen's fight through
the intervention of the Maritime
Trades Department.

John "Whitey" Hawk, SIU of NA
secretary-treasurer, who helped
handle the negotiations along with
Captain John Fox of the Inland
Boatmen, reported that the Bridges'
cohorts had filed a petition with
the National Labor Relations Board
in efforts to seize control of the
approximately 700 workers in­
volved. However, AMDU represent­
atives appearing at Labor Board
hearings demonstrated that the
petitions were defective and won
certification from the board. The
NLRB also threw out the ILWU's
bid.

Strike Called
with NLRB certification won, the

AMDU called its strike for the
opening of the salmon fishing sea­
son. As a consequence, the union
won the minimum season guaran­
tee it sought, plus a union shop
and other concessions.

The Alaska Marine District rep­
resents a reorganization of several
separate and widely-scattered fish­
ermen's and fish cannery groups
in Alaska into one organization.
The new set-up was the result of
action taken at the last SIU of NA
convention in San Francisco.

have ships under construction
or in service.

Among the pending applications
are eight container ships to be
built for American-Hawaiian which
is under contract to the SIU Paci­
fic District; one ship for the SIU-
contracted TMT Trailer Ferry; a
bulk-carrier for the SlU-contracted
Ocean Transportation Company
and the wine tanker now under
construction for Petri Wine.

Also on the application list is
H. B. Cantor, New York hotel man,
who has bids In for construction of

two pullman-style supcrliners.
The seventeen contracts in force

cover the West Coast passenger
ships Matsonia and Leilani, both
of them already in service, the
TMT Carib Queen, a supertanker
for Ocean Transportation; a C-4
conversion job for the Coastwise
Line and the Mariner conversion
for Arnold Bernstein.

Petri wine tanker is due to be'
ready for service from the West
Coast to the East next month. She
will operate out of a Stockton,
Calif., terminal.

Cost per Cost per
Serving Serving

Potatoes Dry mix 4o
Frozen whipped 5c Canned condensed 5o
Home-made whipped 3-40 Frozen condensed 7o

Cole Slaw Fruits
Packaged 4c Canned peaches 4.4Q
Home-made 1.2o Frozen peaches 8.3c

Snap Beans Canned blueberries 10.3a
Canned, French 6c Frozen blueberries 13c
Canned, cut style 4.3c Canned cherries (tart) 6c
Fresh in season 3.3o Frozen cherries (tart) 8.3a
Frozen 6.3c Canned pineapple chunks 6.2a

Orange Juice Frozen pineapple chunks 8.3c
Home-squeezed fresh 3.5c Canned grapefruit
Canned 2.6a segments 5.4a
Frozen concentrate 3c Frozen grapefruit

Grape Juice segments 9.4a
Canned 6.2o Ham
Frozen concentrate 3.7c Canned, skinned, boned 30a

Soup (Green Pea) Uncooked biitt half •' 26o
. Home-made "ie Uncooked shank half 22c

Seattle Lauds
WC Oldtimers

SEATTLE—Shipping in this area
has been good for the last period
and promises to continue so for
the next few weeks, reports Jeff
Gillette, port agent. The port had
the Mary Adams (Bloomfield) and
Ocean Joyce (Ocean Transport)
paying off and the Joyce and Sea
Garden (Penn. Navigation) sign­
ing on. The Flomar (Calmar) was
in transit.

"We are receiving very enthrtsl-
astic support from the Sailors Un­
ion, Marine Cooks and Marine Fire­
men in the American Coal beef,"
Gillette said, and th* kkid of
teamwork that 'will seii us through
on top.'

YOUR
SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN

LiOaUf

Housing
Program

A popular fealiii-e of the
Seafarers Welfare Plan,
the interest-free loan pro­
gram for Seafarers on
the beach, handled over
$100,000 In loans in
1956. It is open to quali­
fied Seafarers on the
shipping list.

In addition to loans,
several ports offer tem­
porary lodging, so that
Seafarers in a port where
they do not maintain a
permanent home ran ob­
tain shelter.

These benefits reflect
the Welfare Pian''8 con­
cern with the problems
which are related to sea­
faring and are not found
in shoreside industry.

SEAFARER'S
INT'L UNION,
A&G DISTRICT



I I ;

Pace Eirht SEAFARERS LOG Aufost 19, 1957

WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT
e i g a t e i t es

For the past couple of years there have been re­
peated reports linking cigarettes and cancer, and
each time a number of smokers have sworn off
cigs for life, or at least for a month. The repeated
claims, and counter-claims from the tobacco in­
dustry, have left the public confused to say the least. But
just recently, the United States Public Health Service
had its say on the matter and stirred things up all over
again.

The PHS Surgeon General, Dr. Leroy E. Burney, re­
leased an announcement reviewing the findings of no less
than 18 independent studies. The conclusions can be
boiled down this way:

• There is a definite connection between cigarettes
and lung cancer. The more you smoke the greater
your chances are for developing the ailment, which
Is fatal In more than 95 percent of the cases.
• At the same time, nobody has demonstrated in

the laboratory that anything in a cigarette is defi­
nitely cancer-causing.

Tobacco Co's Object
The tobacco industry has jumped on the second fact to

argue that cigarettes shouldn't be condemned until some­
body can show proof in the lab by regularly producing
cancers in laboratory animals from any material used in
cigarette manufacture. But there's no escaping the cold
statistical fact that people who smoke get cancers far
more often than pmple who don't smoke. What's more,
those who smoke t\.'o packs a day or more seem far more
susceptible.

Since seamen are well-known for consuming more Java
and smoking more butts than any comparable group of
men, the findings of the Public Health Service have par­
ticular bearing. As a matter of fact, it might not be a
bad idea for the Public Health Service to do a little statis­
tical checking among seamen as a group and see how
their experience compares with the rest of the population.

Some of the findings of the American Cancer Society
and the Public Health Service should be pretty sobering
to heavy smokers. For instance, the odds are 275 to one
against a non-smoker getting lung cancer. The heavy
smoker, the two-pack-a-day man, rates only a one to ten
chance to escape the disease. And the lung cancer death
rates for heavy smokers are fantastically higher, 64 times
as great, the American Cancer Society says, than the death
rate among the non-smokers.

In terms of over-all death rates, the figures add up to
pretty small potatoes compared to other major causes of
death like heart disease, accidents and the like. For ex­
ample, lung cancer death rates annually are about 25,000
a year while heart disease rates run up into several hun­
dred thousand. But what the figures do show is that
the heavy smoker may be- cutting a few years off his life.

Always Time To Cut Down
To the man who says, "It's too late now," I've been

puffing this way for 20 years," the Public Health Service
and the American Cancer Society both believe that a time­
ly reduction or halt in smoking even on the part of the
heaviest smokers can prolong life and lessen the chances
of contracting the disease.

When it comes to the other side of the coin, finding
just what it is in cigarette smoking that is responsible for
the death rates, the investigators have been pretty thor­
oughly baffled so far. The one significant clue turned up
so far, is the fact that pipe and cigar smokers do not
ordinarily get lung cancers at anywhere near the rate of
cigarette smokers. That pointed suspicion at the paper
wrapper around the cigarette. A number of scientists
have been poking into the various compounds used in
processing the paper to see if they are responsible. But
nothing definite has been proven.

Temperatures Hiirh
Another point of suspicion is the temperature at which

a cigarette burns which is much higher than that of cigars.
Various tars and other chemicals in cigarette tobacco or
in the tobacco curing and manufacturing processes have
been examined in efforts to find a definite link.

Unfortunately, there are oodles of compounds, acting
singly or in combination with each other, and all kinds of
chemical processes involved in the manufacture and the
smoking of a cigarette. It will probably be a number of
years before anybody can come up with a conclusive
answer.

The complications were spelled out by Dr. John R.
Heller, director of the National Cancer Institute before a
Congressional committee recently. Dr. Heller put it
this way:

"There is mounting evidence that when tobacco is
burned at about 800 degrees there is a chemical change
in certain hydrocarbons which bring about certain cancer-
causing compounds.

"We do not know which of these compounds is the cul­
prit. They are very complicated chemical compounds

9

Summary of PHS Findings
The following are excerpts from the text of the

Public Health Service's statement on smoking and
lung cancer:

". . . In June, 1956, units of the Public Health Servic*
joined with two private voluntary health organizations to
establish a scientific study group to appraise the available
data on smoking and health. We have now reviewed the
report of this study group and other recent data ....

"In the light of these studies it is clear that there is an
increasing and consistent body of evidence that excessive
cigarette smoking is one of the causative factors in
lung cancer.

"The study group, appraising 18 independent studies,
reported that lung cancer occurs much more frequently
among cigarette smokers than among non-smokers, and
there is a direct relationship between the incidence of
lung cancer and the amount smoked . . .

"The study group also reported that, in laboratory stud­
ies on animals, at least five independent investigators
have produced malignancies by tobacco-smoke condensates
. . . Thus some laboratory and biological data provide
contributory evidence to support the concept that ex­
cessive smoking is one of the causative factors in the in­
creasing incidence of lung cancer . . .

"The Public Health Service supports the recommenda­
tion of the study group that more research is needed to
Identify, isolate and try to eliminate the factors In ex­
cessive cigarette smoking which can cause cancer."

about which we need to know more."
As for filters, the Public Health Service is pretty skepti­

cal that present-day filters make any particular differ­
ence. Dr. Heller declared that "we don't believe any fil­
ter can selectively, filter out the component or compo­
nents in the tars that are responsible for lung cancer."

But at any rate, the weight of the evidence suggests
that the best thing a heavy smoker can do is to stop smok­
ing cigarettes; the next best thing, to cut down to less
than a pack a day or switch over to cigars and pipes.

First P-A Box Ship Due
On Maiden Run lu Sept

MOBILE—The Gateway City, first of four C-2s to undergo
conversion, is expected to be put into service as a trailer-
ship by early September. This will mark the start of Pan-
Atlantic's unusual coastwise
sea-land trailership program.
Work on the other three ships,
the Azalea City, Bienville, and
Fairland, is expected to be finished

NY Permanent
Vote Register
Drive Ending

New York is in the last stages
of a drive for permanent personal
registration during the month of
August. Voters who register dur­
ing the month will be carried per­
manently on the registration lists
and will avoid having to repeat
the process this November and be­
fore all other election.s.

Central Offices
Central registration offices have

been opened in all five boroughs
for this purpose. These offices
are open all day 9 AM to 5 PM.
Branch offices are also open every
evening.

Permanent registration is partic­
ularly useful for seamen in light of
the fact that they are not always
in port during the annual registra­
tion period.

in the near future.
The containership is equippped

with special electric cranes run on
tracks along the decks of the ves­
sel. The trailers will be hauled up
under the cranes which will lift
them from the chassis and deposit
them in the hold. The trailers
have special corner posts to enable
them to be safely stacked on top
of each other without crumpling.

Seafarers manning the ship can
expect plenty of cargo overtime as
present plans call for the ships to
hit one and possibly more ports
every day.

Shipping Slows Up
Shipping in this port has con­

tinued to be on the slow side but
it is expected to pick up next pe­
riod. The Alcoa Corsair and Cava­
lier (Alcoa); Monarch of the Seas,
Claiborne (Waterman) and Little
Rock (Fairfield) paid off and
signed on. The Del Alba (Missis­
sippi, Steel King (Isthmian), Ames
Victory (Pan-Atlantic) and Alcoa
Pennant (Alcoa) were in transit.

There are 13 vessels expected in
this port during the next period.
In addition to these the Wacosta
(Waterman) will take on a full crew
in the next couple Of days for the
Korean run and Cities Service's
Canti^ny will take on a full crew
for the coastwise tanker operation.

Pick Up 'Shot'
Card At Payoff
Seafarers who have taken the

series of inoculations required
for certain foreign voyages are
reminded.to be sure to pick up
their inoculation cards from the
captain or the purser when they
nay off at the end of a voyage.

The card should be picked up
by the Seafarer and held so that
it can be presented when signing
on for another voyage where the
"shots" are required. The ino­
culation card is your only proof
of having taken the required
shots.

Those men who forget to pick
up their inoculation card when
they pay off may find that they
are required to take all the
"shots" again when they want
to sign on for another such voy­
age.

WC Pension Merger
Hearing final Okay

SAN FRANCISCO—Member unions of the SIU Pacific Disr
trict have virtually completed the merger of their pension
plans, the "Stewards News" reported last week. The basic
language of the new trust
agreement has been com­
pleted. Only minor technicali­
ties have to be dealt with before
the program is put into effect.

The merged plan will provide
standard benefits and standard
eligibility requirements for all men
sailing West Coast ships, whether
they are Sailors, Firemen or Cooks.
At present, there are some varia­
tions in eligibility clauses which
are in the process of being ironed
out.

In addition, merger of the plans

^ !=• A fae

PORT C CALL

e75'-4-"»»<AVEMCF -12/6 B.BALTiAYXE

will pave the way for increases in
present pension benefits.

The close working relationship
established between the West
Coast unions is further reflected
in plans for a joint Labor Day edi­
tion, due out on August 30. The
three West Coast union newspa­
pers, the "West Coast Sailor,"
"Marine Fireman" and "Stewards
News" are planning a special com­
bined publication with special sec­
tions devoted to the activities of
the three member unions.

Sf Shipping
Rolls Along

SAN FRANCISCO—As has been
predicted, shipping continued to
hold Its own the past two weeks.
Men with top seniority had no
difficulty obtaining berths in all
three departments.

The Longview Victory and Coe
Victory (Victory Carriers), Ocean
Dinny and Ocean Deborah (Ocean
Carriers) paid off during the past
period. The Deborah, Dinny and
Fairport (Waterman) signed on.
There were three vessels in port
for servicing. They were the Mor­
ning Light, Yoiing America (Water­
man) and Steel Admiral (Isthmian).



Aucust 1957

-<z<. ••U'[r'/\:-'i'jy/;

SEAFARERS LOG r*gt> NIM

Andrew Daniluk displays certifi­
cate showing completion of intro­
ductory training course in New
York hall.

SlU

ORIGINALLY designed as
on upgrading school for
Seafarers, the Andrew

Furuseth training school, in con­
junction with facilities in other
blU ports, is now also training
newcomers to introduce them to
*some of the rudiments of ship­
board work.

The introductory program is
In accordance with the employ­
ment clause of the Union contract
(Article I, Section 4) which notes
that "The Andrew Furuseth Train­
ing School, jointly operated and
administerecf as an upgrading
center for unemployed seamen,
shall also be jointly operated and
administered, pursuant to ar­
rangements and details to be
worked out, to train class C per­
sonnel. The company prefers to
hire class C personnel regard-
Jess of rating or department, with
a certificate of satisfactory com­

pletion of the course therein over
other class C personnel whenever
possible."

Under this arrangement, the
shipowner has the assurance that
in most coses, those class C men
who might come into his employ
hove some familiarity with their
duties.

In addition to the Furuseth
training facilities for all three
departments in the port of Mo­
bile, the Union mokes use of its
Baltimore and New York cafe­
teria set-ups to offer on introduc­
tion to galley and messroom work
for class C men.

After 30 days the class C men
receive a certificate of comple­
tion of the course. Then when
any jobs are open in the class C
category, these men hove prefer­
ence over other class C regis­
trants who have no training for
shipboard duties whatever.

Instructor (standing) discusses point In first aid course offered to all train­
ing candidates at the Furuseth school.

Basic fundamentals of seamanship are taught to all students. This
group is getting instruction on how to read compass.

1
:^l

Cliff Wilson, SIU chief steward, explains coffee-making procedure to three
trainees in the New York cafeteria. , ^ ^

Black gang men get their introduction to engine room gauges with
Eobert. Jordan, SIU Mobile patrolman, doing the honors.



Pace Ten SEAFARERS LOG Ancast 18, 1957

J Why Mamsan Gets
Gray: $50 For AB

Recently the SEAFARERS LOG reported on conditions
under which English seamen sail, citing a letter from a night
watchman who makes $91 a month after 25 years' service.
Now the LOG has received
data on Japanese seamen s
wages which make the $91
look, pretty good.

Japanese seamen's wages are
subject to a whole series of com­
plicated formulae, but when all of
the allowances, annual increases
and subsistence provisions are
added up, the average Japanese
deck hand winds up with around
$45 to $50 a month at present ex­
change rates.

Cooks are in the same pay range
while oilers are a little higher, $66
to$75monlhly. Quartermasters are
in the $60 a month range. Bosuns
rate $120 to $137 a month while
skippers get $212 to $240 depend­
ing on how you figure the rate of
exchange. Those totals are based
on a ycn-to-dollar range of 350 to
400.

The present wage scales are the
result of an agreement reached
between the National Seamen's
Union and Japan Shipowners As­
sociation back in 1951. Under this
system, the entry rating starts off
at a minimum scale of around $15
a month.

Actually, Japanese s e a m e n's
wages are based on an entirely
different hiring arrangement.
While the seaman is on the beach,
he is still considered as being in
the employ of a particular shipping
company, so that he receives a
minimum initial salary while he is
waiting In the shipping pool.

Periodic Increases
The 1951 agreement provided

for periodical annual wage in­
creases which vary with the ship,
the run and the rating. At best,
the annual increases are small by
American standards, amounting to
little more than a $1 a month for
unlicensed men; sometimes less
than that.

In addition to the extra pay for
actually serving aboard ship, the
Japanese seaman receives small
additional amounts on Persian
Gulf summer runs, on tankers,
when working the ship short-
handed, for overtime after 56
hours and other provisions. Some

of these additional amounts are
picayune indeed. For instance,
there is an extra-pay provision for
long cruises which in the case of
the sailor amounts to about three
cents more a month up to about
17 cents more a month for the
skipper—in other words, nothing
to write home about.

Yet in terms of Japanese stand­
ards, the 1951 agreement was eon-
sidered in Japanese maritime
cireles as an "epochal mea.sure
which went a long way toward
vindicating the bad reputation
Japan once suffered for 'cheap
labor'."

Here again is a good example
of 'the great gap between an
American wage scale and the for­
eign competition faced by US ship­
owners.

SUP Blocks
CC Bid To
Ban Diabetic

SAN FRANCISCO — A Sailor
who had been going to sea regu­
larly since 1942 with a diabetic
condition was suddenly hauled up
on the carpet by the Coast Guard
here as incompetent to sail. When
the Sailors Union of the Pacific in­
vestigated the situation it was
found that orders on the charges
had come directly from Coast
Guard headquarters in Washing­
ton.

The Sailor in question has been
treating his condition all through
the years as per doctor's orders
and was just recently certified
"tit for duty " at the San Francisco
Public Health Service hospital
after a check-up there. Neverthe­
less, the Coast Guard was out to
pull his papers and deprive him of
his job rights.

The SUP promptly protested the
Coast Guard's action with the re­
sult that the action was dropped.
The Coast Guard was forced to ad­
mit there was nothing in the rules
and regulations which authorized
it to bar a man who is a diabetic.

Dolan

When it comes to fine eating,
the crew of the Coeur d'Alene
Victory can boast of gastronomical
delights not normally on the menu.

It was noted that
Gordon -Dolan,
crew messman,
made coffeetime
an occasion for
mixing up and
serving an assort­
ment of cold
drinks — K o o 1
Ade, and lemon­
ade, we presume,
and what have

you. Then Seafarer Kenny Coates
evidently felt that good shipmates
deserve a token of esteem now and
then so he went ashore and came
st'iggering back to the ship under
the weight of what was officially
described as a "large quantity" of
fancy ice cream for the crew. No
further details on the nature of
sam.e. What was it fellows? Pista­
chio? Burnt almond? Baked Alas­
ka?????

4" 4" t
Add to the list of hard-working

ship's delegates Brother Melvin
Bass of the good
ship S e a t r a i n
Georgia and Sea­
farer John G.
Brady who was
reelected ship's
delegate on the
Antinous with a
very special vote
of thanks from
the appreciative
gang aboard her.

4" 4 4"
Stewards, as usual, came In for

a lion's share of mentions. Votes
of thanks went to many, but head­
ing the list was W. Young, steward
on the cable ship Arthur M. Hud-
del. He offered to out on the
menu any special dishes the boys
had in mind. Who could ask for
more? Honorable mention was
given to the cooks on the Matthew
Thornton, Ocean Evelyn, Falrp'ort,
Margaret Brown, City of Alma,
Samuel F. Miller, John B. Water­
man, and the Mankato Victory.
Then of course it should be noted
that the gang on the Michael
(Carras) thought very highly of
their night cook and baker, Sea­
farer Vkior Perea.

ALCOA CORSAIR (Alcoa), July 7—
Chairman, M. Costallo; Sacratary, J.
Prostwood. One man left in hospital
in Kingston. Jamaica. Delegate va­
cates post as he's served prescribed
three trips. General discussion of
movie films. Financial statement to
be posted on bulletin board after
payoff. M/S/C to have prices checked
with purser on the slopchest by shore-
aide patrolmen. Ship's delegate elect­
ed. Cleanliness aboard ship discussed.

payed. Request cooperation of crew
on care of washer. (26 in ship's fund.
Treasurer elected. Keep laundry
room clean.

Flower wreath to be bought in Rio
and thrown over side for brother

-missing at sea last trip.

ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), July 10—
Chairman, J. Velaquez; Secretary, S.
Bernstein, Someone took new mat­
tress by mistake? Was told not to
do again. Moved and accepted. $7 In
ship funds.

CHILORf (Ore), June 30—Chairman,
t. Mills; Secretary, C. Bortz. Elected
ship's delegate. $21.71 in ships fund.

Motion passed that patrolman be ad­
vised for need of new refrigerator
and wringer for washing machine.
Steward asked of having juices more
frequently, he asks that cups be re­
placed in pantry after use. Vote of
thanks to radio operator for posting
news in recreation room.

AMES VICTORY (Victory Carriers),
July 7—Chairman, C. Starling; Sacra­
tary, B. Feeley, M/S to send repair
list from canal. All spoke of repairs.

CATHERINE (Drytrans Corp.), June
27—Chairman, N. Pattersen; Secre­
tary, C. Shirah. $7.06 in ships fund.
Sick men to see doctor, fix washing
machine, take cots off deck and
bring in.

DEL SUD (Mississippi), July t —
Chairman, J. Cave; Secretary, P, Val­
entine, Meeting called to order for
purpose of collecting money from
crew for the Cameron, La. hurricane
victims. Motion passed to take $30
from ships fund and $50 from baseball
fund and borrow $50 from baseball
fund which will be replaced next
trip.

July 14—Chairman, W. Perkins; Sec­
retary, N. Funken. Collected sum of
$446.50 for hurricane victims during
last trip. Ships fund balance leaving
New Orleans $204.50. Expended in
New Orleans, $43.40 for projector,
$50 for hurricane victims and $4 for
four springs for movie projector, bal­
ance $106.71. Ship's delegate elected.
Receipt for money collected for hur­
ricane victims was to be sent to St.
Thomas. Keep washing machine clean
in crew laundry, fiuwers to be bought
for Brother Williams missing at sea
last trip.

EVELYN (Bull), July S—Chairman,
P. Allan; Sacratary, J. Yuknas. Re­
pair list given to captain and chief
engineer and most repairs were done.
$54.36 in ship's fund. Motion made
to build ships treasury at payoff.
Steward to take orders for new mat­
tresses for members of crew that are
in need. Repairs still to be done in
galley and painting In passageways
and crews quarters.

CEOReS A. LAWSON (Pcnn), July
9—Chairman, L. Schmidt; Sacratary,
W. Dunham. Request made on repair
list last voyage for crews quarters to
be painted, only engine department
quarters have been painted to this
date. $14 in ship's funds. Crew mem­
ber offers use of iron if crew will
get ironing board, ships fund will by
board.

HASTINGS (Waterman), July 7—
Chairman, R. Taylor) Secretary, J.
Walls. Get new mattresses, better
grade of meat, make up repair list.
Check with patrolman about disputed
delay sailing from New Orleans. Vote
of thanks to Steward Dept.

DREMAR (Ore), July 13—Chairman,
C. White; Secretary, C. Farker. Let­
ter from C. Simmons concerning re­
pairs answered, various repairs taken
care of. $36.10 in ship's fund. Return
books to recreation room, only take
one from case at a time. Bookcase
to be locked while in port.

ROBIN KIRK (Seas), July 7—Chair­
man, J. Hennass; Secretary, S. Bar-
gesla. All beefs settled. $50 in ship's
fund. Some overtime disputed. Mo­
tion; no one aboard ship talk to
strangers in Boston on ship replace­
ments, on who is paying off and stay­
ing on. Fresh fruit more often, men
donate $2 each for films.

WILD RANGER (Waterman), July 4
—Chairman, D. Ruddy; Secretary, R.
Utz. Discussions on excellency of
crew, safety aboard ship, repair list
and good conduct at payoff. $36.34 in
ships treasury. Overtime for cleaning
tanks on watch disputed. Crew
thanked for hospitality by two hospi­
tal returnees. Delegate to forward/
papers of man who missed ship In
Japan. Paint needed in messrooms.
Request for logs in NCO club, Inchon.
Wiper claims difcrlmination by first
engineer.

VALLEY FORGE (Penn. Nay.), July
7—Chairman, O. Martin; Secretary,
W. Harris. Repair list submitted.
One man hospitalized. List of men
logged to be turned over to patrol­
man at payoff. Captain withholding
medical treatment and poor launch
schedule in Rijeka. Captain uncoop­
erative. Wiper promoted to AB as
replacement for hospitalized man.
Report accepted. Vote of thanks to
SUP, MFOW. MCS & A4G men par-
ticipartlng In American Coal beef. Re­
quest a name brand of soap. Steward
to order more stores in Brazil due to
extended trip.

TOFA TOFA (Waterman), June 22—
Chairman, A, Capote; Secretary, F.
Van Wygerden. One man missed ship
in Okinawa, joined in Yokohama. Cap­
tain requests M-hours notice for men
leaving ship in Frisco. Ship's fund
$20. Vote to have draws made accord­
ing to Union rules. Discussion on
draws. Present method of issuing
draws not satisfactory. Some repairs
not made. Beefs to be discussed at
meetings.

ALCOA FEGASUS (Alcoa), July 9—
Chairman, L. Phillips; Secretary,
(none). Repair list submitted. Ship's
fund $10.63. New treasurer elected.
Rooms painted. New delegate elected.
Suggestion to install fans in all bath­
rooms.

STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian), July
14—Chairman, S. Oonzalas; Secretary,
A. Kowalskl. Ship's fund $19.82. Sug­
gestion made to increase fund. Dis­
cussion of general good and welfare
of crew.

REBECCA (Transcontinental), July
14—Chairman, N. Vrdelak; Secretary,
M. Culp, Few hours disputed OT.
Ship to be fumigated for roaches.
Quality of meat to be changed.

MADAKET (Waterman), July 11—
Chairman, M. Rossi; Secretary, C.
Corront. New delegate elected. Need
new washing machine, or repair old
one. Request clock in recreation
room. All dept. sanitary men to alter­
nate in keeping laundry clean. Dept.
delegates to attend safety meetings.

HASTINGS (Waterman), July 7—
Chairman, R. Taylor; Socratary, J.
Wells. Some disputed OT. Need new
mattresses; better grade of meat. Re­
pair list to be made up. To see
patrolman about disputed dela.ved
sailing from NO. Request for large
lima beans. Vote of thanks to men
Working on American Coai beef.

DEL NORTE (Miss.), Juno 30—
Chairman, H. Crane; Sacratary, E.
Leonard. Discussion on performer.s.
Ship's fund $107.68. One man short.
Report accepted. New delegate elect­
ed. Motion to hold weekly delegates'
meetings to discuss disputes in over­
time and unnecessary beefs that
might come up. Discussion on cleanli­
ness of living quarters and proper
use of laundry.

ANTINOUS (Waterman), July
Chairman, J. Brady; Secretary, B.
Walker. Ship came to Gulf on coast­
wise articles and no transportation
was paid. "C" card men replaced in
Tampa. Obtained new toaster. Repair
ll.st to be submitted. Overtime not
checked. New delegate, secretary and
treasurer elected. Vote of thanks to
delegate. Pantry to be kept clean.

AFOUNDRIA (Waterman), Juno 2*
—Chairman, O. Ruf; Secretary, J.
Guard. Delegata discharged in SF.
Ship's fund $10.50. Several hours dis­
puted OT. New delegate, secretar.v-
reporter elected. Repair list, submit­
ted. Light to be placed on aft on
catwalk. Election of dept. represen­
tative to safety meeting. First safety
meeting to be called Sat. 7/6.

SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain),
July 17—Chairman, F. Fatrick; Sacra­
tary, O. Constant. Ship's fund $44.22.
Some disputed OT. Reports accepted.
New delegate elected. Poop deck to
be swept down each day and washed
down at least three times a week.
Discussion on linen. Steward claims
enough linen for round trip if every­
one turns in soiled linen each week.
Delegate to get more cabs in NO on
arrival.

KYSKA (Waterman), June 23—
Chairman, I. Music; Secretary, D.
Maehan. One man missed ship; one
man hospitalized; lodging and sub­
sistence, etc. to be turned in to pay­
off patrolman. Ship laid up in Osaka
for emergency repairs—engine plant
failure. Ship's fund $335. Short two
men. Electrician to be turned in to
patrolman for misconduct. Not enough
pressure in bathrooms. Beef on OT.
To see patrolman about same. Need
new washing machine. Water rusty.
Repair list to be made up by all de­
partments prior to payoff.

SEAGARDEN (Fenn. Nov.), July 7—
Chairman, D. Masslmer; Secretary, D.
Coker. Some repairs completed.
Clean ship. Ship's fund $23. Ask for
contributions to fund. One man hos­
pitalized for eye injury—rejoined ship
later. Vote of thanks to galley force
for fine service. Men warned to re­
main sober for payoff. Members to
clean rooms and return solihd linen
when leaving ship.

DEL ALBA (Miss.), June 2»—Chair­
man, J. Mathews; Secretary, J. Hal-
pln. Ship's fund $22.51. More stores
needed for 120-da.v voyage. Letter
sent to headquarters. Steward to
check stores. Silence to be observed;
doors to be locked to keep crew boys
off passageways.

SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain),
July 21—Chairman, E. Eriksen; Sac­
ratary, C. Yow. Four taxis available .
for in NO. RepaU- list submitted.
Ship's fund $44.22. Ship sailed short
one man. Report accepted. Need
good second-hand washing machine.
Chairs in messhall need rei>airing,
Foc'sles need painting.

STEEL SCIENTIST (Isthmian), June
2-Chairman, C, Bush; Secretary, K.
Collins. Repairs to be made on West
coast. Steward to submit own requi­
sition. Members to keep all problems
below deck. New delegate elected.
Alien seamen discussed. Ship's fund
$89. Third cook missed ship.

WINTER HILL (Cities Service),
June 2S—Chairman, I, Cox; Secre­
tary, W. Bllger, See. patrolman about
overtime that waa okayed but not

DEL SUD (Miss.), July 14—Chair­
man, W. Ferklns; Secretary, N. Fun-
ken. Smooth trip, very good cooper­
ation from dept. delegates. Collection
of $446.50 taken for hurricane victims
at Lake Charles and Cameron. Ship's
fund $106.71. Purchased new projector
and four springs. New delegate elect­
ed. Receipt for money collected for
hurricane victims sent to' St. Thomas.
Washing machine to be kept clean.

AFOUNDRIA (Waterman), June S—
Chairman, W. Kumke; Secretary, J.
Guard. Delegates to make out repair
lists in duplicate and to be submitted
before 72-hour period for ship-side
work. Check list for all items not
completed. Aditlonal safety sugges­
tions to be added to list. J.clters con­
cerning safely meetings to be mailed
after discussion with patrolman;
Ship's fund $10. $7 paid for sliipped
member's gear and headquarters mall.
24 hours disputed OT—delayed sailing
from Portland. One NMU man Joined
vessel to replace wiper who was pro­
moted. New reefer to replace present
one secured by line in me.sshall: to
be-placed in usual position in pantry.
Delegate to see captain about port
draw. No more chipping after 5 PM
aft near crew quarters. Sugge.st stop­
ping practice of securing gear foe
sailing with only five men at least
eight hoOrs before letting go. Need
bigger and better slop chest.

HASTINGS (Waterman), June ._
Chairman, R. Taylor; Secretary J.
Wells. One man missed .ship: to be
reported to patrolman. Headquarters
to contact company regarding ship
convcr.sioni Each watch to havo own
room; two to a watch for engine and
three for deck—not more tlian three
to a room. Rathroom to be kept clean.
Watch table in mcs.srooin to he re-
stenciled; also deck dept. room. New
library to be obtained In .4meriean
port. Delegate to see captain about
2nd mate.

ALCOA POLARIS (Aicoa), July 14
—Chairman, L. Echoff; Secretary, J.
Hannon. Beef on shifting sliip from
Paramaribo to Paranani. One man
paid off in .San Juan. Few hours dis­
puted overtime. Men not to be put
over side in Paramaribo because of
plrhana fish. Washing macliine to be
fixed, new spare parls needed. Cups
to be returned after using. Keep
bathrooms clean.

SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain),
July 26—Chairman, V. 'Szymansklf
Secretary, C. Krelss. Five hours de­
layed sailing time Ok. Need air con­
ditioner for messhall—headquarters
notified. Headquarters requested crew
to extend articles for day and to
•Ign. Ship's fund $50.09. Vote of
thanks to steward dept. for job well
done.

ALCOA ROAMER (Alcoa), (ne date)
—Chairman, J. Westfall; Secretary,
J. Delgado. Reef in deck dept. to be
discussed with patrolman. Reports
accepted.

STEEL ARCHITECT (Isthmian), July
24—Chairman, N. Vosklan; Secretary,
R. Knowles. Few minor beefs, to be
taken up with patrolman at payoff.
Ship's fund $10..32. Some di.sputed
OT. One man hospitalized In Sur.i-
baya; rejoined ship later Reports
accepted. To purchase new maga­
zines. New washing machine prom­
ised. Would like pasteurized milk in
foreign ports. Need more lemons,
name brand cigarettes. Drinking
water tanks rusty, need cleaning.
Pantry and messhall, showers, bath­
rooms need painting. Need more fly
spray bombs.

SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain),
July 12—Chairman, C. Collins; Sec­
retary, V. Whitney. Ship's fund
$43.34. Reports accepted. New dele­
gate elected. TV rotor to be repaired.

MAE (Bull), July 27—Chairman, H.
Schwartz; Secretary, J. Kakelskl. New
delegate elected. Story and pictures
sent to LOG. Purchased playing cards
and new TV antenna. Ship's fund
$22.37. Repair list submitted. Report
accepted. Request air conditioner on
ship—patrolman to be notified. Dis­
cussion on air conditioning for all
SlU ships; food situation—want mora
variety in menus. Laundry to be
kept clean.

SEASTAR (Triton), July 21—Chair­
man, J. Starks; Secretary, M. Buga-
wan. Some disputed OT. New dele­
gate elected. Need new washing ma­
chine; new mattresses. Mate warned
crew about public drinking In mess-
rooms and passageways while ship i(
In port. .Steward asked for sugges­
tions to Improve menu.

ELIZABETH (Bull), July 31—Chair­
man, W. Janlsch; Secretary, B,
O'Rourke. One man permitted to
leave ship to attend father's funeral.
To be cleared with headquarters.
Beefs to be reported to delegates and
discussed at meetings. Two members
have beef—to be referred to patrol­
man.

ORION STAR (Orion Shipping), July
7—Chairman, J. BIssonnet; Secretary,
A. Morales. One man missed ship; one

•man hospitalized. Report, accepted.
New delegate elected.



Aofost 16. 1987 SEAFARERS IPG

• , ':y:m

Pare Elerea
- ip.

Lovers' Knot

Senate OK's
Inflatable
Life Rafts

WASHINGTON —The United
States has joined 30 other nations
in approving the use of inflatable
liferafts to supplement or replace
conventional lifesaving apparatus
on offshore passenger vessels.

Adoption by the Senate of the
liferaft amendment to the Interna­
tional Convention for the Safety
of Life at Sea means that prac­
tically two-thirds of the nations
which are parties to the conven­
tion have now okayed it. Unani­
mous approval by all 47 nations Is
required before the amendment
can actually be put into effect.

Once the amendment has unani­
mous approval, shipowners will
have the option of using either the
inflatable rafts or conventional life­
boats and noninflatable-type rafts.

The international safety conven­
tion sets forth uniform principles
and rules for the promotion of
maritime safety and can be
amended from time to time by
unanimous consent. The United
Kingdom originally proposed the
lifeboat amendment, following suc­
cessful experiments with this type
of lifesaving gear on British fishing
and passenger ships.

One of the specific advantages of
the new type of apparatus is its
compact size and weight. Most of
the rubber rafts can be stored In a
lightweight suitcase and inflate
automatically on contact with the
water. They are similar to those
used for many years on both mili­
tary and commercial aircraft.

^30-50'Again

Hot Weather, Fair
Shipping, NY Says

NEW YORK—Seafarers in this port have managed to
weather July's heat, but are still anxious to get off the beach.
Shipping has continued to be favorable anchjobs are moving
rapidly. —

Among the vessels paying
off during the past period
were two Robin Line vessels, the
Robin Wentley and the Robin Gray.
"The boys on these ships are doing

The shipping industry, long notorious for its boom and bust
cycles, is currently in the mood for a slump which is com­
pounded of many causes. Part of it is the reaction to the
closing and opening of the Suez Canal. The canal's closing
brought about lots of breakouts and a rush of tanker business.
Now that the crisis is over, there seems to be a surplus of
ships on hand. Cutbacks in foreign aid and a decline in pur­
chases in the US by some nations who are trying to cut down
on imports are other factors.

In a situation of this kind, the "50-50" cargo preference
act becomes even more important to US shipping. But along
comes a farm lobby and starts crying for shipment of agricul­
tural products on foreign-flag ships.

The only reason the outcry comes forth now is the avail­
ability of foreign-flag tonnage. The farm lobby figures the
lower the ocean rates, the more farm products can be peddled
overseas. But in its shortsightedness, it forgets that if US
ships are laid up, the shortage of ships would put farmers
at the mercy of the rate-makers.

Nobody heard the farm lobby hollar last fall and winter
when Suez was shut down and shipping space was at a pre­
mium. Farm groups were glad then that US ships were avail­
able to carry their cargoes. They can't have it both ways—
cut-throat rates and plenty of shipping space.

4"

Hurricane Relief
Congratulations are in order for the many union men who

donated their time and energy to help build homes for the
families left desolate by Hurricane Audrey. Many of them
worked around the clock on their weekends. Members of the
building trades unions supplied the necessary technical skills
while those unfamiliar with construction work chipped in
where they could. Bus drivers drove the trucks and buses
transporting the construction gangs from distant cities while
Seafarers and unskilled laborers swung picks and shovels
clearing sites and laying foundations.

This unselfish service on the part of these union members
means more than just the reconstruction of homes. Their
work will help put hurricane victirhs back on their feet with­
out the burden of heavy debt which might in the end have
fallen on the community. Many of them lost everything they
owned—^homes, furnishings, livestock and cars—and were left
without a cent to their name. But because of the helping
hand from these trade union members they will at least have
a roof over their hea^s. Seafarers and others whp are taking
part in this^ op^eration^ have a. right to feel proud. • ^ •

India Seeks
Solution For
Port Jams

NEW DELHI, India—Faced with
cargo pile-ups and a threatened
increase in freight charges, India
has launched a drive to cut the
cargo jam that is tying up her
major ports. If the government
succeeds, the long spells Seafarers
spend in Indian ports will be
sharply reduced by November,
and dock operations will proceed
at a more normal rate.

Many Causes
Behind the log jam is the

tremendous upsurge in cargo move­
ments into India, the lack of mod­
ern piers and cargo handling facili­
ties, and the reluctance of Indian
longshoremen to use whatever
automatic unloading machinery is
available. Grain, for example, is
sacked by hand in the hold.

The result is that although cargo
is being unloaded at a record pace,
it is piling up on the docks and
snarling future loading operations.
The bulk of the tied-up cargo is
wheat and grain from the United
States.

While not disclosing what it
plans to do to eliminate the jam,
India has announced that it hopes
to have the bottleneck eliminated
in three months. Seafarers who've
been spending weeks in Indian
harbors are hopeful that the gov­
ernment will be successful.

More Than A Month's Wait
At present, ships calling at

Indian ports have to wait upwards
of a month to discharge and load
outbound cargo. One of the ships
currently tied up is the Steel Trav­
eler (Isthmian), which was sched­
uled to clear Calcutta in 32 days.
The ship has notified the Union
that it will be there at least 15
days longer. Earlier this summer,
the SlU-contracted Northwestern
Victory (Victory Carriers) spent 44
days in Vizagapatam completing its
loading operations. The situation
is just as bad in Bombay, where
ships have had to spend 30 days
waiting for a berth.

a very good job for the Union,"
reports Claude Simmons, port
agent. "Needless to say how much
the Union and the membership
appreciates these crews staying on
and doing such a bang up job,
even though they are working un­
der adverse conditions." "

Organizing Continues
In other imion activities, the'

Marine Allied Workers Division
organizing drive in New York is
continuing in high gear. Brothers
on the beach have been coming
forward to help maintain around-
the-clock pickets around a few
holdout companies. But it is ex­
pected that they will sign up
shortly.

On the shipping side there were
18 vessels paying off, six were in
port to be serviced and two signed
on. Simmons also announced that
the SS Arlyn (Bull) would be crew-
ing up this week and then will
make a couple of trips to Bilboa,
Spain, with coal.

The vessels paying off were the
Seatrain New York, Seatrain Texas,
Seatrain Louisiana, (Seatrain);
Robin Wentley, Robin Gray (Robin);
Frances, Elizabeth, Beatrice (Bull);
Maxton, Almena, Ideal X (Water­
man); Alcoa Roamer, Alcoa Part­
ner, Alcoa Ranger (Alcoa); Cities
Service Norfolk, Royal Oak (Cities
Service); Grain Shipper (Grain-
fleet); and the Steel Architect
(Isthmian).

The Steel Architect (Isthmian)
and Robin Kirk (Robin) signed on.
The Cities Service Miami (Cities
Service), Seatrain Savannah, Sea- ,
train New Jersey (Seatrain), Sea-
mar and Texmar (Calmar) were
in transit.

DEW Line
Job Ends

» 9-.m-thmtm• k m m.m

Turned Down OT?
Don't Beef On $$

Headquarters wishes to re­
mind Seafarers that men who
are choosy about working cer­
tain overtime cannot expect an
equal number of OT hours with
the rest of their d partment. In
some crews men have been
turning down unpleasant OT
jobs and then demanding .o
come up with equal overtime
when the easier Jobs come along.
This practice is unfair to Sea­
farers who take OT jobs as they
come.

The general objective is to
equalize OT as much as possible
but if a man refuses disagree­
able jobs there is no require­
ment that when an easier job
comes along he can make up the
overtime he turned down before.

cJ.-S I'l'l k ; < i.'

POINT BARROW, Alaska.—The
Government formally took posses­
sion of the $500 million Distant
Early Warning radar alarm system
Tuesday while a fleet of 100 supply
ships continued their urgent stor­
ing mission here and at other
Arctic outposts.

Civilian technicians will operate
the 3,000-mile line under an Air
Force contract. It is designed to
provide advance warning of ap­
proaching enemy bombers using
the polar route to attack US and
Canadian targets.

Ships Supply Bases
The supply mission, generally

known as "Operation Blue Jay,"
has been carried on for the past
three summers during construction
of the vast radar network. Each
year ships from East and West
Coast ports carrying a year's supply
of replacement stores and parts
converge on the Arctic bases dur­
ing the summer while the northern
waters are free from ice.

This is the only time ships can
enter the area. During the rest of
the year, emergency supplies and
small parts are air-lifted in. Any
ships caught in the area once the
ice closes in are truly "stuck"
there until the next summer.

As in the past, this years' fleet
contains a number of privately-
operated ships manned by civilian
seamen plus a large nucleus of
Government-operated supply ships
and oilers. Fewer than 20 civilian-
manned ships are being used this
summer. The entire supply fleet is
about 20 percent smaller than In
1956. - . [

* ft.. f >'•



Par# Twelve SEAFARERS LOG Aurust 16, 1957

¥ Director Visits Singapore ^Garden Spot*
One of the highlights of the last Far East trip by the Steel Director was Singapore,
with its famed "Tiger Balm Gardens," an outdoor museum of horrors and torture
methods. Shutterbugs like John Carey (left) andjdeinx Ulrich made It a must on
their list, because the gory, realistic tableaux spread over acres of parkland "have
to be seen to be believed (right, and below)."

^PHS HOSPITAI.
Ti/.,.. ORLEANS. LA,

Simon Morrit
John W. Bigwood
Lylei Brunsoa
Cloiso Coat*
Salem Cop*
Chas. Cunningham
Roscoe Dearmon
Serlo M. DeSosa
Glrard E. Doty
WUIlam Driseoll
Jan Englehardt
Leon Gordon
Richard Graliski
James Hudson
Samuel Hurst
William Jones
Oliver Kenclrick
Edward C. Knapp
Leo Lang
George McFall
Robert P. Marion

USPHS HOSPITAL
SEATTLE, WASH.

Wm. M. Barnett James McCoy
Frank J. Bradley Fred Sulllns
Wayne T. Center S. L. Woodruft
Michael Delano

USPHS HOSPITAL
STATEN ISLAND. NY

Oscar Adams Robert Larsen
Gomer J. Bassler John D. Lewis

Michael Murls
Edward Northrof
William Paris
Winford Powell
Randolph RatcliS
Lavon A. Ready
Wmtanr Reynolds
Joseph A. Ricks Sr.
Toxie Samford
Toefil SmigielskI
Wert A. Spencer
Paul J. Tate
Gerald Thaxton
Lonnie R. Tickle
James E. Ward
Thomas Willis
ClilTurd Wuerll
Robert Young
Jacob Zimmer

Gordon Bell
John H. Bove
Juan Burgos
G. F. Crabtrea
Michael Delancy
David B. Dunn
Arthur Englehart
Antonio Fernandea
T. S. Finnegan
Rufus Freeman
George Hall
Lowell Harris
Robert Henninger
Henry Herkiniiein
Alfred Kaju

John L. Madden
Damian G. Mercado
Robert A. Parker
Frank S. Paylor
Cliarles Price
Michael Rendon -
James W. Rlst
Salvator Rivera
Jose Rodriguez
Antonio Russo
S. B. Saunders
P. W. Scidenberf
Thomas Tooina
Fred L. Travis
Harvey Tratvlck

USPHS HOSPITAL
BOSTON, MASS.

Amos Buz7elle Norman J. Moor*
James J. Girolnml A. H. Ramos

USPHS HOSPITAL
GALVESTON. TEXAS

G. B. Anderson F. G. Lakwylt
H. M. Bumpass Harold J. Romero
Clarence Fontenot Alfonso Sandino
M. N, Gendron William Shaw

USPHS HOSPITAL
MANHATTAN BEACH

BROOKLYN, NY
Manuel Antonana H. C. Mclssac
Eladio Aris
Fortunate Bacomo
Joseph J. Bass
Juan Denopra
John J. DriscoU
William Guenther
Bart E. Guranick
Howard Hailey
Percy Harrelson
Taib Hassen
BUly R. Hill
Thomas Isaksen
Ira H, Kilgore

Albert MartinelU
Vic Milazzo
Joaquin Miniz
W. P. O'Dea
C. Osinski
George G. Phifer
G. A. Puissegur
F. Regalado
Winston E. Renny
George Shumaker
Kevin B. Skelly
Henry E. Smith
Stanley F. Sokol

Ritual slaying* of dragons and brutal forms of torture
appear true to life in finely-detailed statuary and
woodcarvingi at the Tiger Balm. Tongue-pulling
methods (above) and butchery like the body-grinding
machine (bottom, left) get full ploy. Animals por­
trayed are far cry from friendly chimps at the zoo.

..y.. * .

Aboard ship, crewmembers joe Bracht,
Eddie Burke, Joe Bonilla and Leon White
gag it up during a breather on decb.

Burke pictures oldtimer Herman Meitx (left) and
Joe Bonilla in sharp close-ups. Meitx has since
pitched in on the American Coal beef as AB on
the Thomas Paine. At right, Teddy, BR, gives
Vince^ Mackelis a haircut in open air "barber
shop." All photos are by Burke, John Carey and
Reino Pelaso.

T

Ludwig Krlstlansen Michael L. Toth
Frederick Landry Harry S. TuttTe
Leonard Leidig Virgil E. Wllmoth
Patrick McCann Pen P. Wing
A. McGuigan Dester Worrell

USPHS HOSPITAL
NORFOLK, VA.

Claude Bibb C. M. Sturgls
Francis J. Boner; Maximo Tangalla
Frank Peskurlc Chas. T. Taylor

USPHS HOSPITAL
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF,

Noah C. Carver E. A. Rodriguez
Vincent D'Amato Sung C. Wang
Thomae D. Foster G. L, Warrington
Michael J. Gaudio ''

USPHS HOSPITAL
SAVANNAH, GA.

Jose Blanco Charles A. Mosf
Wade B. Hnrrell H. E. Skipper
Wm. V. Kouzounas Leslie F, Swegaa
Jlmmie Littleton

USPHS HOSPITAL
MEMPHIS, TENN.

Charles Burton
VA HOSPITAL

e NEW YORK, NY
K. T, Cunningham

USPHS HOSPITAL
FORT WORTH, TEXAS

B. F. Deibler W. E. Orzechowskl
Siegfried Gnittle John C. Palmer
James R, Hodge* August Panepinto

VA HOSPITAL
HOUSTON, TEXAS

J, P, Williamson
VA HOSPITAL

BROOKLYN. NY
Robert McCutcheon

USPHS HOSPITAL
BALTIMORE, MD.

Howard Abell Lucas Hernandei
Ludwik Borowik David Miller
Victor B. Cooper
Clarence Crevier
Emil Dupont
Leo Dwyer
Alberto Espino
Gorman Glaze

Edward Morales
James Portway
John Rekstln
Charles Rice
Walter Saichuk
Robert O, Smith

MONTEBELLO
CHRONIC DISEASE HOSPITAL

BALTIMORE, MD,
Francisco Bueno

Union Has
Cable Address

Seafarers overseas who want
to get in touch with headquar­
ters in a hurry can do so by
cabling the Union at its cable
address, SEAFARERS NEW
YORK,

Use of this address will assure
speedy transmission on all mes­
sages and faster service for the^
men involved,



Auffust 18, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pace Thirteen

KATHRYN (Bull), July 30—Chilr.
man, M. Zaionskat tacratary, P. Cor*
nlor. Bosun'a Job open due to illness,
^placement aent. Beef concerning
Snd officer and OS to be discussed
with patrolman in NY. Ship's fund
06. Beport accepted. Contact patrol-
Bian about hot water. Menus to ba
typed and placed on tables.

NATALIE (Intercontlnantal), July 10
—Chairman, J. NIcholscn; Secratary,
B. Tonar. One man logged. One man
missed ship after failing to perform
duties for 19 days. Report accepted.
Delegate discussed chief steward and
pantryman's failure to turn to and
warned crew about fouling up. Dis­
cussion on draws.

MV PONCE, (Ponca), July 30—
Chairman, F. Millar; Secratary, W.
Haatar. Beef with chief mate about

bosun. Patrolman to meet ship in
Tampa. Ship's fund $18.03. Laundry
to be kept clean. Obtain stoppers for
laundry sink.

STEEL SEAFARER (Isthmian), July
14—Chairman, E. Parr; Secretary, O.
Payne. Some repairs made. Other
repairs to be listed. Shore leave hours
which were not ailowed will be
claimed as OT and taken up with
patrolman: list times correctly. Trav­
elers' checks draw in Halifax. Soma
disputed overtime to be taken up
with patrolman. 585'/i shore leave re­
striction. Reports accepted. All cots
and extra linen to be returned. Mid­
ships house, foc'sles to be kept clean­
er. All rooms to be cleaned for pay­
off.

COEUR D'ALENE VICTORY (Vic­
tory Carriers), July 6—Chairman, W.
Simpson; Secretary, K. Foster. Most
repairs completed. Ship's fund $7.
Two members fined $50 for not stand­
ing watch. . New delegate elected.
Vote of thanks to two crew members
for purchasing large quantity of fancy
Ice cream and making cold drinks at
coffee time during hot weather.

DEL ORO (Miss.), May 25—Chair­
man, U. Sanders; Secretary, H. Gar­
des. Disputed overtime. Awaiting
New York decision on penalty cargo
wages from voyage No. 40. Commit­
tee to obtain safety report for cap­
tain on two accidents. Sanitary men
to work two hours daily and keep
ship clean. Ship's fund $70A.5, Pur­
chased reading material. Few hours
disputed OT. New delegate elected.
Suggestion that ship be stored for 90
days instead of 80. Discussion on
cleanliness of laundry.

July 22—Chairman, U. Sanford; Sec­
ratary, W. Davanncy. Five men
logged. One man hospitalized, return­
ing on Del Norte. Ship's fund $32.02.
Some disputed OT. Question on OT
for man carried to Bahia. and signed
on as repatriated seaman. To call
meeting with patrolman about over­
due OT and penalty cargo pay. Keys
to be made for messhall and pantry.
Messhall and pantry to be locked
while ship in port. Porthole screens
and hooks for coffee cups to be or­
dered. Discussion on rancid butter.

DEL SOL (Miss.), July 7—Chairman,
W. Murrell; Secretary, R. Simmons.
Ship's fund $15. No beefs: everything
running smoothly. Report accepted.
To set up laundry cleaning schedule.
Numbers to be stenciled over bunks
for fire boat drills. Bunks to ba
made and kept clean.

FAIRPORT (Waterman), July 14—
Chairman, J. Nelson; Secretary, W.
Stark. No Logs received. Two men
missed ship—squared away. Ship's'
fund $28. Few hours disputed OT.
Repair list turned in. Three men
fired. Motion that headquarters try
for better retirement plan. Need new
iron. Suggestion to use three per­
colators for coffee each meal. Vote
of thanks to steward dept. To check

on time for draw* and opening of
slop chest.

KERN HILLS (NO. Atlantic Marine),
July 14—Chairman, F. Throp; Secre­
tary, J. Oorello. One man missed ship;
one man hospitalized. Crew getting
off after a fiVi mo. trip. New iron
purchased. Ship's fund $10.55. Some
disputed OT. Ship to be fumigated.
Discussion on repair list. Rooms to
be left clean for new crew.

LUCILLE BLOOMFIELD (Bloom-
field), June 30—Chairman, J. Parks;
Secretary, W. Walker. Two men
logged. Cable to headquarters. Do­
nations for relief of disaster victims
In La. and Texas totaled $440 from
officers and crew. Amount to be sent*
via radio to Salvation Army. Ship's
fund $1.24. Discussion on loundry
facilities. Suggestion to secure new
drain for washing machine and new
scuppers in laundry room.

8EATRAIN GEORGIA (Seatrain),
July IS—Chairman, M. Chapman; Sec­
retary, A. Lambert. Headquarters no­
tified to have patrolman pay off ship
Sunday. Chief mate has foc'sle keys.
Clothes not to be left too long in
washing machine. Use bulletin board
for ship business oniy. Ship's fund
$22.10. Any raggestions for new con­
tract negotiaiions to be brought up
at meeting. Food orders mixed up.
More cooperation requested. Vote of
thanks to ship's delegate. Request
air conditioning be installed. Discus­
sion about dill pickles in messhall.

SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY (Sea-
train), July 21—Chairman, T. Mon-
temarlno; Secretary, P. Brady. One
man missed ship. Reports accepted.
Remove cots from poop deck. Need
new screen for portholes. Repair list
to be made up.

STEEL FABRICATOR (Isthmian),
July 10—Chairman, B. Hanford; Sec­
retary, C. Chandler. Ship's fund
$37.50. Some disputed OT and launch
service. Delayed sailing. Vote of
thanks to steward for job well done.
Cots to be removed from deck. Ship
to be sprayed for roaches.

STEEL NAVIGATOR (Isthmian),
May 25—Chairman, R. SIrols; Secre­
tary, P. Haraye. Ship's fund $21. One
man missed ship. Report accepted.
Keep messroom clean. Doors to be
locked while in port, except gangway
side door.

TOPA TOPA (Waterman), July 1?—
Chairman, P. Van Wygerden; Secre­
tary, A. Smith. Everything running
smoothly. Reports accepted. Officials
to investigate trouble between 3rd
assistant and oiler. Suggestion that
hospital be put In shape for any
emergencies.

VENORE (Ore Nay.), July II—Chair­
man, C. Webb; Secretary, T. Cum-
mlngs. One man short. Baker left
ship at Canal for wife's burial.
Thanked crew for $345 donations. Re­
ports accepted. New delegate eleeted.
Recreation room to be kept clean.
Cups to be returned. ..Soiled linen to
be turned in. Washing machine to
be turned off when finished and kept
clean. Vote of thanks to steward
dept.

DEL CAMPO (Miss.), June 21 —
Chairman, J. Gelssler; Secretary, E.
Mcsley. Repairs completed. More
stores put aboard. No beefs. Good
crew, fine cooperation. Almost all
hands equipped with deep water fish­
ing tackle for fine eating fish. Ship's
fund $11.25. Coal beef communica­
tion read. Old timers doing fine job
to help win beef. Report accepted.
Delegate re-elected. Laundry to be
kept clean: keep noise down in pas­
sageways. Vote of thanks to delegate
for good Job.

~ May 25—Chairman, J. Lapatle; Sec­
retary, R. TIndell. All repairs com­
pleted. Members warned about foul­
ing up. Food beef—70 days' stores
for 80 day trip. Ship's fund $11.25.
Delegate did good job in settling
beefs. Some disputed OT. Report ac­
cepted. Need new pump for washing
machine. Delegate and steward to
see about shortage of stores.

MATTHEW THORNTON (Grain
Fleet)—Juno 29—Chairman, C. Carl­
son; Secratary, R. Lee. Beef made
on small sized mattresses, turned
over to patrolman in Baltimore, noth­
ing could be done since former stew­
ard had accepted them. Company
should not be penalized for mistake
made by one of our men. Repairs
have been taken care of. Motion made
to donate $1 each for ship's fund.
Take good care of fans and washing
machine, no spare parts aboard. Re­
turn cups to pantry from deck.

Coalship Vet Tells All In Verse
Nobo(Jy can argue the fact that the SIU veterans and oldtimers from the SUP,,MFOW

and MCS active in the American Coal beef really have it on the ball.
These brothers of the SIU of NA, acknowledged "Ancient Mariners" in maritime today,

are sailing below their regu--*
lar ratings under substandard
non-union conditions, again
proving the time-worn adage that
"good union men never grow old."

Now, an added talent is showing
itself, typified by the verses be­

low from SUP Brother George
Gourdin, who's sailing OS on the
coal ship Martha Berry. Writing
from Spain, on his way ''home.
Brother Gourdin sent in this "LOG-
A-RHYTHM" on behalf of the men

aboard these ships in the front­
line of the beef.

Making no apologies for his
rhyming efforts, he makes his point
plain, showing how keenly the old-
timers on the coal ships feel.

LOG-A-RHYTHM:

The Ancient Mariners
.By GEORGE GOURDIN, SUP.

The American Coal Shipping Company,
With John L. Lewis laying the keel.

Has Joe Curran acting as bosun
With an NMU man at the wheel.

They started with just a few ships.
Good old Uncle Sam promising more;

To ship the coal the miners work.
Costing the taxpayers money galore.

This set-up started like a dream
Till John and Joe concluded.

To recruit the mates and engineers
With only mine union men included.

The MEBA and MM&P
Went into action on this phony deal.

They asked injunctions and won it in court,
To teach John and Joe not to steal.

Curran and NMU could've had these jobs
Jf he'd agreed in a good union way.

To sail with the mates from the MM&P
And engineers from the MEBA.

The SIU was full of fight.
About this time, you can bet,

They didn't like the shady deal
That the rank-and-file mates would get.

Well, the court finally reached a decision
That it thought was mighty swell.

It ruled that the oldest discharges
Would solve the problem well.

The sailor men came from far and wide.
To compete for their organization;

Some of the discharges were tattered and torn,
But they passed ev'ry examination.

Joe Curran tried all angles to win.
He dug deep in his larder;

Shanghaied a few that had retired.
Sent an SOS to Snug Harbor.

The SIU really challenged this move;
With the percentage of men in its favor.

It'll sign this contract and sail these ships.
And be an asset to organized labor.

Just as I end this line of chatter,
I learn from an NMU man.

That the retired and disabled aboard these ships
Were depriived of their pension plan.

They were told their wives would get the checks
While they sailed on this flea-bitten scow,

But it seems the promise wasn't well kept.
As the landlord wants the rent right nowl

Frederik Ouweneel shows ofF some of the designs he's mode dur­
ing the current voyage of the Fort Hoskins. He soys he used 17
fathoms of 21 thread in the sunflower alone (left). The statuettes
flanking the lamp are made from yellow soap and the lamp itself
out of rope yarn. It looks like he's earned that nickname.

Ropeyarn Art
Not Lost Yet

Seafarer Frederik Ouwe­
neel has sailed under ten dif­
ferent flags in the last quarter
century and, to the surprise of no
one, "none of those ships can com­
pete with the stars and stripes."

Starting with his native Hollajid.
Ouweneel has also sailed under the
English, Greek, Norwegian, Swed­
ish, Liberian, Panamanian, Syrian
and Israeli flags but "the best thing
that ever happened to me w.-^a
when I got my SIU book. I am
very proud of it."

Known to his shipmates on the
Fort Hoskins and other SIU ships
as "The Flying Dutchman" or
"Rope-Yarn Dutch," Ouweneel h.3s
put his varied sailing experiences
to good use. Using odds and ends
of ropeyarns, he's following in the
tradition of the old sailing ship
hands who made mats and designs
with intricate knots and splices to
while away their time.

This may be a kind of a lost art
form today, but it won't disappear
altogether while sailors like
Ouweneel are at it.

Burly By Bernard Seaman



F««* FAorteen SEAFARERS LOG Ancnat 19, 195T

'5ea-Spray' —By S»afanr Robert fink

*'Back again? You must have made same ports as last trip/

SIU HAIL DIRECIORT
SlU, A&G District

BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St.
Earl Sheppard. Agent EAstern 7-4900

,...276 State St.
Richmond 2-0140

BOSTON
James Sheehan. Agent
HOUSTON 4202 Canal St.
Robert Matthews, 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
MORGAN CITY 912 Front St.
Tom Gould, Agent Phone 2156
NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St.
Lindsey Williams, Agent Tulane 8626
NEW YORK 673 4th Ave., Brooklyn

HYaclnth 9-6600
NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St.
Ben Rees, Agent MAdison 2-9834
PHILADELPHIA 337 Market St.
S. Cardullo, Agent Market 7-1635
PUERTA de TIERRA PR 101 Pelayo
Sal Colls, Agent Phone 2-5996
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Marty Breithoff, Agent Douglas 2-5475
SAVANNAH 2 Ahercom St.
E. B. McAuley, Agent Adams 3-1728
SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave.
Jeff GiUette, Agent Elliott 4334
TAMPA 1609-1811 N. Franklin St.
Tom Banning, Agent Phone 2-1323
WILMINGTON, Calif 505 Marine Ave.
Reed Humphries. Agent Terminal 4-2874
HEADQUARTERS 675 4th Ave., Bklyn.

SECRETARY-TREASURER
Paul Hall

ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS
J. Alglna, Deck C. Simmons, Joint
J. Volpian, Eng. W. Hall, Joint
E. Mooney. Std. R. Matthews, Joint

Editor,
SEAFARERS LOG.
675 Fourth Ave.,
Brooklyn 32, NY

I would like to receive the
SEAFARERS LOG — please

ut my name on your mailing
ist. (Print Information)

SUP

1?
NAME

STREET ADDRESS

CITY ZONE....

STATE
TO AVOID DUPLICATION; If you

ar* an old subscriber and have a
change of address, please give your
former address below:

ADDRESS

• •••••••

CITY ZONE...

STATE ,1.

HONOLULU 16 Merchant St.
Phone 5-8777

PORTLAND Ill SW Clay St.
CApltal 3-4336

RICHMOND. Calif....810 Macdonald Ave.
BEacon 2-0925

SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Douglas 2-8363

SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave.
Main 0290 1

WILMINGTON 505 Marine Ave.
Terminal 4-3131

NEW YORK 678 4th Ave., Brooklyn
HYaclnth 9-6165

Canadian District
HALIFAX, N.S 128V4 Hollls St.

Phone 3-8911

MONTREAL 634 St. James St. West
PLateau 8161

FORT WILLIAM 408 Simpson St.
Ontario Phone: 3-3221

PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St.
Ontario Phone: 5591

TORONTO, Ontario 272 King St. E.
EMplre 4-5719

VICTORIA, 61714 Cormorant St.
EMplre 4531

VANCOUVER. BC 298 Main St.
Pacific 3468

SYDNEY, N3 304 Charlotte St.
Phone: 6346

BAGOTVILLE, Quebec 20 Elgin St.
Phone: 545

THOROLD, Ontario 82 St. Davids St.
CAnal 7-3202

QUEBEC 44 Sault-au-Matelot
Quebec Phone: 3-1569

SAINT JOHN 177 Prince William St.
NB OX 2-3431

Great Lakes District
ALPENA 1215 N. Second Ave.

Phone: 713-J

BUFFALO. NY 180 Main St.
Phone; Cleveland 7391

CLEVELAND 734 Lakeside Ave., NE
Phone: Main 1-0147

DETROIT 1038 3rd St.
Phone: Woodward 1-6857

DULUTH 621 W. Superior St.
Phone: Randolph 2-4110

SOUTH CHICAGO 3261 E. 92nd St
Phone: Essex 5-2410

Asks Reduction
In Job Calls
To the Editor:

There has been much discus­
sion recently around the hall
about reducing the number of
daily shipping calls. I feel It
would be a good Idea.

A reduced number of calls
would allow members on the
beach to give more care to
affairs at home, to other busi­
nesses If they have them, and to
things like reporting to the un­
employment Insurance office.
Everybody would then have
time to do these things and still
not miss out on the shipping
calls at the hall.

I would suggest having two
calls in the morning and two in
the afternoon. The AM calls
could be at 10 and 11, and at 2
and 4 PM on weekday afters
noons. There could be one
Saturday morning call at 10 AM,
as well as calls at any time for
emergencies.

On the same subject, there
seems to be no reason for hav­
ing our regular membership
meetings start at 7 PM, when
they could be started at 6 PM,
or even earlier, once the daily
calls are completed. This would
allow the members time to ful­
fill other commitments they
can't take care of after the
meeting and would still enable
men on the ships, who wished
to, to get to the meeting after
work.

John Jellette

Chief Praises Men
For Saving Ship
To the Editor:

The following note was re­
ceived from the chief engineer
on this vessel after a fire at sea.

Ship's delegate
SS Grain Shipper

"To All Departments:
"My own personal thanks to

all of you, each and every one,
for a job well done, for your co­
operation In the assistance you
gave in fighting the fire we had
in the boiler room on the 19th
of June at sea. Through your ef­
forts and attention to duty wa
averted what could have been a
catastrophe, only because every­
one did his bit. We controlled
the fire and brought the ship
in."

G. F. Brady
Chief engineer

it it
Has Soft Spot
For Old Arizpa
To the Editor:

Would any of you oldtimer.4
have any idea where I may
obtain a photograph of the old
SS Arizpa belonging to the
Mobile Oceanic Line? I made
my last trip prior to World War

II as ordinary seaman on thia
vessel on a voyaga from trio
Gulf to Santos and on to the
Far East. Crewmembers whoso

_ names I recall are Frenchy
Michelet, Rebel Haskell and
Singletary.

I guess I was what you would
call a charter member of the
SIU, Joining in April, 1939, and
being issued book G-133, Dur­
ing the war I was in the Navy
(drafted), and after it back to
sailing as AB, 3rd mate and 2nd
mate.

My present occupation as a
salesman gives me ample time
to think about times gone by.

I have pictures of all the ships
I have sailed in except the old
Arizpa. Certainly I would be
grateful for information leading
to a copy of same. I can be
reached at 8376 Arnold Street,
Dearborn 6, Michigan,

Maurice £. Llxotte

Advocate Boasts
Culslnog Not Chow
To the Editor:

I'm writing to let the mem­
bership know about the good
food and pastries the Steel
Advocate has been enjoying two
trips running to Japan and
Korea.

Last trip we had Sherman
Wright and Herb Knowles hand­
ling the key jobs in the galley.
This trip we again have Herby
putting out the food "mother
used to cook" and if you don't
like the first entree, he's got
two more you can choose from.

Tom Ulisse is the pastry chef
and his French bread and garlic

bread is out of
this world. Pizza
pie, jelly dough­
nuts and cream
puffs are a few
of the delicacies
that help make
this a happy
crew.

That's not all.
We got them
right down to

the last man. Chief cook Know­
les swears by his third cook,
Berton Meade, and galleyman,
Johnny Jackson, as two of the
greatest to work with...

Keeping a clean pantry and
dishing out fine salads we have
Ralph Fitzpatric. In our spotless
messroom we have A1 Rios, a
mighty sharp first-class waiter.

Sitting back in his arm chair,
smiling because he's got such a
bunch of good, dependable guys
working for him is Chief Stew­
ard Aussie Shrimpton. He's the
man who doesn't get any credit
when the food is good.

In closing I want to thank the
crew and delegates for full
cooperation and thereby making
my job an easy one.

Luke A. Ciamboll
Ship's delegate

Chief Engineer
High On SIU
To the Editor:

The following is a copy of a
letter which the chief aboard
the Samuel F. Miller sent to the
company's marine superlntend-
ant.

William C. Brown
Engine delegate

Ulisse

"Captain J. A. Johnson
Vice President St Marine Super­

intendent
Boston Shipping Corporation
153 Milk Street
Boston 4, Massachusetts
"Dear Captain:

"We are due to make arrival
in about six hours having com­
pleted voyage No, 1, As you
know the first voyage after
breakout is generally a pretty
busy one from an engineering
standpoint. This has been no
exception.

"For all practical purposes I
have had no first assistant for
the entire voyage. One paid off
in Honolulu with a back injury
and I have had the other as a
passenger from Pusan to the
States.

"If it had not been for the full
cooperation and over-contract
obligation of the entire unli­
censed engine department per­
sonnel I would really have had
a rough time. As it is, the plant
Is in excellent condition. Voyage
repairs will be very minor.

"I am handing a copy of this
letter to William C. Brown,
engine department delegate for
the Seafarers International
Union. I would be happy to have
him or any other member of the
unlicensed engine department
with me at any time in the
future as a shipmate."

Charles B. McCoy
Chief engineer

t t i
Venore Rates
Tops With Him
To the Editor:

I wish to express my thanks
and appreciation, through the
medium of the LOG, to the offi­
cers and crew brothers of the
SS Venore. Their kind and gen­
erous donation, plus their sym­
pathy, excelled anything I have
ever run across. They donated
enough money for my plane fare
home and to help with the
funeral expenses of my wife
who died when I was a week at
sea,

I also wish to thank the offi­
cers of the welfare services de­
partment in Baltimore for their
aid and help. They took care of
all matters until my return and
helped me after I had gotten
back.

Ronald P. Hannigan

Seafarer Makes Splash On Return To PI Home
Back for a visit to his native
town of Botolon, in Zombalei
province, Philippine Islands,
Seafarer Max Felix (seated,
canter) played host to provin­
cial and local officials at gath­
ering in his lister's^ home.
Flank ing Max were Jaime
Ferrer, Under-Secretary of
Agriculture for the notional
government (left), and Manuel
D. Barreto, Governor of Zom-
boles Province (right). Others
present included Mayor Juan
Gunem of Botolon (seated, 3rd
from left). Senator Ferrer was
private secretary to the Iota
Philippine President Ramon
Mogsoysay, who also come
from ZamDoles province. "



Aufust 16. 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pare Fifteen

All of the follovAng SIU families have received a $200 maternity
efit plus a $23 bond from the Union in the baby's name: bene/

Brian Anderson Alston, bom
July 15, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs,
Oscar Wm. Alston, Berkeley, Calif.

$> $1

Patricia McKinney, born July 23,
1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Melville
McKinney Jr., Camden, NJ.

J. i
Vivian and IVilllam Mora, born

June 29, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Joseph A, Mora, New York, NY.

t 3» t
Bryan Lewis Wallace, born July

21, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Earl
C. Wallace, La Marque, Tex.

4> 4» 4"
Konff Yuen Yuengr, born July 19,

1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Yuen
Pow Yueng. New York City.

4> t
Dewey L. Milton Jr., born July

15, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Dewey L. Milton, Roanoke, Va.

Shorthanded?
If a crewmember quits while

a ship is in port, delegates
are asked to contact the hall
immediately for a replace­
ment, Fast action on their part
will keep all jobs aboard ship
filled at all times and elimi­
nate the chance of the ship
sailing shorthanded.

Donna Lynn Bryan, born July 14,
1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ernest
K. Bryan, Houston, Tex.

- t » »
Sandra Kay Smith, bora July 1,

1957, to. Seafarer and Mrs. Robert
G. Smith, Houston, Tex.

4" t
Melba Jean Rynes, born January

1, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Law-
son P. J. Rynes, Summerville, Fla.

4> • 4"
Maria Trinidad Garcia, bora

June 26, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Trinidad Garcia, Galveston, Tex.

i i *
Gordon L. Peck Jr., born April

13,1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Gor­
don L. Peck, New Orleans, La.

4^ »
Donna Marie Booth, bora June

22, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Al­
ton R. Booth, Tickfaw, La.

t. ^ i.
Miriam Torres, born July 7,1957,

to Seafarer and Mrs. Raymond
Torres, Brooklyn, NY.

4> 4>
Joseph E. Thomas, Jr. born June

29, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Joseph £. Thomas, Berkeley, Cal.

4 4 4
Ernest Charles Biinkerhoff, born

July 23, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Albert Brinkerhoff, Yulan, NY.

Happy Birthday!

mighty spry,
Walter Stoll of Sa-

retired Looking
Seafarer
vannah sends greetings to for­
mer shipmates as he prepares
to celebrate his 75th birthday
next Wednesday, August 21st.
Stoll is one of the SIU brothers
receiving the $150 monthly
disability-pension.

I
EVERY I

SUNDAY I DIRECT VOICE
I BROADCAST
I
I

TO SHIPS IN ATLANTIC EUROPEAN
AND SOUTH AMERICAN WATERS

MTD' "THE VOICE OF THE
WFK-39, 19850 KCs Ships in Caribbean, East Coast

of South America, South AHan-
tic and East Coast of United
States.

WFL-68, 15850 KCo Ships In Gulf of Mexico, Carib­
bean, West Coast of South
America, West Coast of Mexico
and US East Coast.

WFK-95, 15700 KCs Ships in Mediterranean area,
North Atlantic, European and
US East Coast.

Meanwhile, MTD 'Round-The-World
Wireless Broadcasts Continue • • •

Every Sunday. 1915 GMT
(2:15 PM EST Sunday) '
WCO-13020 KCs
Europe and North America

WCO-16908.8 KCs
East Coast South America

WCO-2240? KCs
West Coast South America

Every Monday, 0315 GMT
(10:15 PM EST Sunday)

WMM 25-15607 KCs
Australia

WMM 81-11037.5
Northwest Pacific

MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT

Israel Trade
Now Normal

TEL AVIV — A spokesman for
the Foreign Ministry here said that
Israeli shipping through the Gulf
of Aqaba is back to normal and
that disruption is not expected.

Confidence, informed sources in­
dicated, was placed in Secretary
of State Dulles' recent assurance
to the Israel ambassador that Saudi
Arabia would not interfere with
Aqaba shipping. It was also an­
nounced that the freighter Athlit
is enroute from South Africa to
Israel's port of Elath.

Personals

U.S. Passenger Liners
Safest, CG Stndy Finds

WASHINGTON—^When it comes to safety, American pas­
senger liners are far ahead of foreign carriers.

That was the decisive conclusion of a Coast Guard report
released last month compar-^

Walter Yeoke, Losmar
Contact William Davies at 2727

De Anza Trailer Harbor, San Diego
9, California. Phone — Broadway
3-3211.

4 4 4
Chief Mate Thomas Heaney

Nick Leone
Bob Walker would like to get in

touch with you. His address is
219-48th street. Union City, NJ.
Telephone—Union 4-8627.

4 4 4
Former Matthew Thornton

Crewmembers
Will the men who worked on the

Matthew Thornton on April 29th
in the No. 5 hold please contact
Stephen Emerson. He lives in
Poughkeepsie, Arkansas.

4 4 4
M. Roy Fraiser

Sam Spade left money for you
with Chris at the Green Frog in
San Francisco on July 19th.

4 4 4
Ralph Ewing

Please contact J. W. Hamilton,
20 Grand Avenue, Hicksville, NY.
It is urgent.

4 4 4
Mike M. Perez

Lilly Saldana (Mrs. Eddie Roe)
would like you to get in touch with
her at 9619 E. Avenue N., Houston
12, Texas.

4 4 4
Merwyn E. Watson

Would you please contact M. E.
Lizotte at 8376 Arnold, Dearborn
6, Michigan.

4 4 4
Samuel Joseph Anderson

Contact your wife at 8023 Sted-
man Street, Houston, 1*0X38. She
will be, thereja

ing US and international
standards for ship construc­
tion. The report, detailing the
case for American construction
standards, was made public by the
House Merchant Marine Commit­
tee, which asked for a study after
the sinking of the Andrea Doria.

The Coast Guard pointed out
that American passenger liners
outstrip foreign competition most
sharply in compartmentation and
damage stability, two of the most
important areas involving safety.
The US is in a class by itself in
provisions for structural fire pro­
tection, which combines protection
and control. It also tops foreign
shipping in lifeboat launching pro­
cedures, safety communication and
other fire-fighting devices.

American ships are built to
higher standards of compartmen­
tation than foreign carriers, the
Coast Guard reported. According
to the 1948 International Conven­
tion lor the Safety of Life at Sea,
ships must be built with a subdivi­
sion factor of .48. American ships,
constructed under Coast Guard
standards, must have a subdivision
factor of .35. The difference means
that foreign ships can barely with­
stand damage to two adjacent main
compartments without sinking,
while American ships might bf
able to stand up even if three adja­
cent main compartments were
damaged.

US ships also lead foreign com­
petition in damage stability, or the
ability of the vessel to keep from
capsizing or heeling over exces­
sively after damage. The 1948
convention and the Coast Guard's
standards require ships to be able
to withstand safely damage to two
adjacent main compartments ex­
tending inboard approximately 18
feet. But American ships must
also be able to remain afloat and
on a reasonably steady keel if the
damage length is 46 feet, while the
1948 convention allows a damage
length of only 291^ feet. The
Coast Guard said the ability of the
ships to survive under the greater
assumed damage is particularly
important where wing tanks are
involved.

Differences in compartmentation
and damage stability were high­
lighted by the sinking of the An­
drea Doria, which had its wing
tanks ripped open by the Stock­

holm. The Coast Guard implied
that an American ship hit the same
way would probably have been
able to keep from heeling as badly,
and might not have capsized.

The Coast Guard also pointed
out that American ships are less
likely than foreign ships to be
destroyed by fire. The 1948 Conven­
tion provides for three types of
structural fire protection, with one
setting out a comprehensive stand­
ard of structural fire protection,
and the other two methods merely
requiring specific detecting and ex­
tinguishing equipment. The Coast
Guard pointed out that American
ships use the first method, which
eliminates combustible materials
from -the structure work of the
vessel, and requires a series of fire
barriers to minimize fire spread.
All European carriers use methods
2 and 3.

The report concludes: "Safety is
a comparative quality that is meas­
ured in terms of probabilities.
Accordingly, it cannot be positively
stated that a particular vessel will
or will not be involved in a catas­
trophe. However, the accumulation
of "extras" of the type previously
indicated in this letter, definitely
increases the probabilities of an
American Merchant Marine with a
safety record second to none."

Atlantic Ice
Danger Ends

The iceberg season is finally
over, one month later than usual.
The international ice patrol has
been closed down until next spring
after an unusually heavy plague of
'bergs.

Normally, the ice menace ends
about July 1 and the patrols are
withdrawn on the 15th of July. But
this year the big ice mountains
have been so numerous that ocean
shipping has been forced to travel
on track B rather than the normal
northernmost track C used gener­
ally in the summertime.

The huge 'bergs break off the
Greenland ice pack because of
melting due to warmer weather in
the Arctic spring season. This year,
apparently, milder weather in the
far north resulted in a heavier than
usual production of bergs with con­
sequent peril to shipping.

a Seafarer!
7wa •pRicesAraifio<fj/<i

BAffm/lgAMPAEWYC^S/UC/lfF^/^S
ARe SSAKPD fVP. -
rue MEMBERS OF
W Wf/^e/.T TIME YouksArrHE fiAU.

/-'Ai!

• \



Vol. XIX
No. 17

1:
I

SEAFARERS LOG AlHIHtf U
1957

» OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION * ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT > AFL.CIQ

Union Men Rebuild For Storm Victims
Seafarers Aid In La,
Home-Building Drive

NEW ORLEANS—In the wake of hurricane Audrey and
its devastating tidal wave that left thousands homeless and
claimed a toll of more than 600 persons dead and missing
in the Cameron, La., area,-*^
AFL-CIO unions organized
quickly to join with other
agencies in relief for the disaster
victims.

Spurred by the knowledge that
many SIU members and their fam­
ilies suifered great loss and hard­
ship, Seafarers in Louisiana have
taken a leading part in the trade
union effort to provide prompt and
needed relief. In New Orleans, the
SIU membership gave generously
to a disaster relief fund raised by
the New Orleans Central Labor
Council which, as the LOG went
to press, had climbed to nearly
$25,000.

Seafarers also pitched in to do
their part to help building trades
craftsmen with one of the most
dramatic phases of the relief pro
gram^mass construction of homes
for the homeless.

As thh waters receded from the

Ask Wider
Trade-In Bill

WASHINGTON — Proposals to
extend the trade-in authority of
the Maritime Administration for
another five years have been ap­
proved by the House Merchant
Marine Committee. Specifically,
the proposed legislation would ex­
tend until June 30, 1962, the MA's
power to buy trade-in ships 12
years old or older from private
operators.

The original legislation had pro­
vided for the trade-ins to take
place when the ships were 17 years
of age. This was amended subse­
quently with the amendment due
to run out on June 30, 1958.

Maritime wants the extension of
the amendment so that it can get
earlier action on replacement of
shipping fleets and spread out the
replacement program.

Shipowner groups have also
gone on record for the measure,
inasmuch as it gives them more
leeway on the ships they trade in.

APL Liner Is
Host To Hoover
SAN FRANCISCO —Former

President Herbert Hoover was
a guest of American President
Lines aboard the liner President
Hoover on the occasion of his
83rd birthday. Members of the
Marine Cooks and Stewards
Union in the ship's steward de­
partment turned out an elab­
orate birthday feed including a
birthday cake modeled after the
ship with a lighted candle in its
single stack.

The party was served cham­
pagne, shrimp curry, lobster
Newburg, prawns and other
elaborate culinary preparations.

One hundred fifty guests were
at the party which was hosted
by Ralph K. Davies and George
Killion, board chairman and
Pfesident of APL.

flood and wind-devastated area,
the AFL-CIO and the American
Red Cross joined forces to restore
homes which had been completely
demolished. The Red Cross pro­
vided building materials, food and
shelter for the home builders. AFL-
CIO trade unionists, responding to
a program outlined by Victor Bus-
sie, president of the Louisiana
State Labor Council, volunteered
their labor to build houses on week­
ends.

Ten Seafarers were members of
the first New Orleans team of 37
workers that moved into Cameron
on the weekend of August 3 to
launch the big volunteer mass con­
struction project.

The New Orleans contingent was
one group of nearly 150 AFL-CIO
union members who worked in 100-
degree heat that weekend in a con­
struction marathon which com­
pleted five new homes for families
left desolate by the hurricane.

Under the glaring sun construc­
tion crews from Alexandria, Baton
Rouge, Lake Charles and Shreve-
port joined the New Orleans men
in the massive task of clearing
sites and reconstructing homes
from foundations to rooftops. The
work on the five homes was com­
pleted in less than 36 hours. Some
of the gangs worked far into the
night under floodlights powered by
portable generators. Houses were
built for two families in Creole,
one in Cameron and two In Grand
Chernier.

Putting into full play the tradi­
tional trademarks of the seafaring
trade—special skills, brawn and
ability to work as a team—the Sea­
farers, by all accounts, made a
valuable contribution to the pro­
gram. In hours of diligent and
conscientious labor, extending over
Saturday and Sunday and sand­
wiched in between two six-hour bus
rides, the New Orleans construction
team, which included skilled crafts­
men from the various building
trades union, completed a house
and turned it over to the owner,
ready for occupancy.

The following weekend, more
than a dozen Seafarers moved into
the area to assist in the important
work of laying foundations on
which other teams would erect
houses during the weekend.

The work was carried on within
sight of fields still littered with
debris from homes hit by the hur­
ricane. "I sure never thought it was
as bad as this," said C. K. Carter,
Shreveport contractor and member
of the AFL-CIO Carpenters Union
there. "I saw the London Blitz and
a lot of other things in World War
II, and this would sure match it.
It may even be worse."

The AFL-CIO councils and the
Red Cross plan to build at least 25
houses in the same manner on com­
ing weekends, depending of the
weather and the amount of mate­
rials on hand. The attitude of the
volunteer workers was summed up
by one man who paused to say, "I
came down here for the sake of my
city and my union, but now I just
want to be here to help these
people."

Group o Seafarers are up bright ond early at 4 AM to fofn New Orleans contingent of volunteer
home buildws headed for Cameron, Louisiana. Men are front (I to r) Herman Troxclair, SIU patrol­
man; LOUIS O Lwry, John Calamla; middle rowfl to r) lames Lea, Larry Von Lofton, Douglas "Smiley"
Clauisen, Tom Goul^ patrolman; rear {I to rj Bill Mitchell, Bernle Guarino, Bob Creel. Other Sea­
farers left from Lake Charles.

Foundation for new home In Cameron goes up as soon as gang arrived. Even bus driver W. A. Pollc
pitched in, shedding his uniform to lend a hand. Homes were put up In other flood-stricken towns with
some of the volunteers working far Into tho night under floodlights to make the target of completing a
number of houses each weekend.

Smiling members of New Orleani AFL-CIO volunteer team pose for photo In front of completed
house. Picture was taken by John Herrmann, New Orleans photographer, and AFL-CIO member
who volunteered his services to make film documentaiy. Other volunteer groups from Lake Charles,
Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Alexandria also workea on home-building projects which are scheduled
to continue for several more weeks.