Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1913-01-24

! upon wrote two lengthy letters to the
Inter-Iisland, setting forth the posi-
ton of the men fully and frankly. The
/ lnter-Island directors, in reply, wrote
to the association under date of Dec.
u, upholding President Kennedy's
] course. -.-.e
! It was stated last night that in the
three weeks since then matters have
\ been coming closer and closer TO an
open break between the Inter-Island
land its men. Capt. Thompson still
commands the Niihau, says the assUcf.
alton, but the move of Mr.. Kennedy In
bringing men from the coast is taken
as a forecast of summary action when
he gets men on the ground who can
take the places Of present mates and
later become themselves masters.
The correspondence made public ID
as follows:t.st - ~ -
uitimatun to kehnedy. sfss7.
| Nov. 5, 1912.
Mr.. J.aAss Ksnnedy President, Inter
island Steam Navigation Co., Ltd,
| Honolulu, r. II. 'tsti
Dear Sir: We beg 10 notify: you
that the summary dismissal OF c.
Itain'sW. p Thompson of the steamer
Niihau has been brought to the atten.
ton OF this harbor, and we desire TO
state that IL you wish TO dispatch that
vessel today, Captain Thompson must
| take her out, an no other member will
accept the position until Just cause
for Captain Thompson's discharge has
! been received, which we will be
pleased to. consider at q future meet
ing Very truly yours,
(Signed) FRANK G. POOR.
Secretary, Honolulu Harbor No. 81.
Kennedy Stands Firm.
Honolulu, T. H., Nov. II, 1912. 4
Honolulu Harbor No. 81, Honolulu,
Hawaii.
Gentlemen: We have your letter Of
Nov. 5, 1912, relative to Captain w.
F. Thompson and stating among other
things that no member OF the harbor
viii take command Of the 8. s. Niihau
until just cause for Captain Th0mp-
sons discharge has been received
Captain Thompson was placed In
charge ef the s. s. Nifhau as master
on Mareh6 of the present year. Since
that date we have received q number
of complaints from various Of our pat
rons which upon investigation show
that Captain Thompson has not exer-
cised that sound judgment which is
necessary to the proper conduct of
our busiaess. This lack Of judgment
has already entailed financial loss
both to ourselves and our patrons. We
are responsible to our patrons for the
manner in which we perform the ser4
vices requested of us, and we cannot
avoid that responsibility even II we
desired to do so. We therefore must
exercise eur own Judgment in regard
to the selection or retention in eur
employ OF our representatives. Truly
yours, lSisnedl Il
J. A. KENNEDY,
President, Interisland Steam Nayiga-
tion Company, Ltd.
Capt. Thompson Defended. d. :. {
Honolulu, T. H., Dec. 2, 1912.
Messrs. 1ntefisland Steam Navigation
Co, Ltd, p. o. Box 40S, Honolulu,
T. H.
Dear Sirs: Your reply to. our In
quiry as to the cause of Captain w.
F. Thompson's dismissal from the
steamer Niihau has been duly re-
ceiyed and its contents carefully
noted. $50 ).
Your assertions regarding his lack
OF sound judgment in discharge of the
company's business, resulting in finan-
cial loss to the company and its pat
rons, we consider as being very broad
IN their nature, insomuch as you do
not mention any specific instance or
combination of events with which we
may confront him for direct answer
and explanations. ~ @>s n
We have never disputed your rights
in the selection or retention of your
employees, and would not have entered
this protest ii Captain Thompson had
been given a substantial reason for
his dismissal.
Captain Thompson. states to us un-
der oath, that, when asked Mr..
Kennedy for the reason of my dis
charge he Informed me that there
were several or at least there were
several complaints about me from
plantation managers; he also said
that was too old and couldn't do the
work that used to- -
Injustice 10 Alleged. "a
We feel that great injustice is be-
ing done to Captain Thompson through
your listening to Complaints from
landsmen. who in our opinion are net
competent to judge Of 4 licensed Off
GERS ability, any more than a Iavman
is capable of judging doctors ability,
or any other professional man, and in
many instances these complainants
are wilfnlly prejrdioed against the
master because he will not navigate
his vessel to suit their views.
Captain Thompson is ignorant OF
his accusers, as Mr.. Kennedy has re.
fused to dfvulge their names, we would
therefore most respectfully request
that, if you have any knowledge where
Captain Thompson has been negligent
in his duty, or has been lacking in
Judgment in caring for your interest.
that you furnish this Harbor with
some evidence of this neglect, also a
copy of the complaints as mentioned
in your letter, with the names of the
persons whom you say have iLvesti-.
Cant of