CHIEF STEWARD SEIZED WITH SUDDEN ILLNESS.

The Argus Melbourne, Friday 1 December, 1911.

A fresh complement of firemen, sent over by the

Seaman's and Firemen's Union, arrived by the s.s.

Riverina last night from Melbourne. They were

accompanied by two members of the union's 

executive, and immediately on arrival Mr. W. F.    

Moxon, manager for the Adelaide S.S. Co., and the

shipping master (Captain Smith) proceeded on

board, and signed the men on the articles.

Mr. Johnson, chief steward of the Koombana,

to whom the old fireman objected, and who was

seized with sudden illness at the end of last week,

has recovered.

Not surprising that the chief steward was 'seized with sudden illness'. He would wouldn't he with such a bright spotlight focused on him?

It seems that the two members of the union executive who accompanied the new firemen were subjected to embarrassment by the new-comers also refusing to take up duty on the Koombana. This might explain why the Union suspended and fined 'two instigators'.

It was one big mess and Mr. Moxon had taken charge by being on board to 'sign the men on the articles'. No more nonsense!

courtesy Trove