For some time past, says the Straits Times of the 4th instant, the mates of the various ships trading from Singapore have ed of the serious decrease in their caused by the fluctuations of the dollar, The shipowners when appealed the latter sxWw no present opportunity. of improving the atate of affairs as they were subjected to the same disadvantage, Asa result of this feeling several "f the mates of local steamers hi on strike for higher wages an loft their ships. At present there are seventeen mates who have left their vessels owing to the refusal of the owners to grant an increnso of salary. The a is liable to beeer ious matter if it continues, following as it does after the stagnation of local trade produced by the recent Siamese blockade, There are three ships, the Sappho, Celestial, and another vessel, ready to loave with full cargoes, but they may not be able to do so owing ta the absence of chief officers, The complaint of the men is that they signed articles when the dollar was of much more value than at present, and several of them having families feel it a hardship that their salon should not be raised in proportion to the decrease in the currency. The men seem confident that they will get what they demand and unless arrangements are settled, it is probable that the engineers come out on strike in support of the matter, At a meeting of mates held in the Marine Club on the 3rd inst., it was decided that.
No mates shall sign articles for less than 90 dollars, and 2nd mates 60 dollars per mensem. All men with twenty-four hours clause to give notice at once, and all who can leave at once, to do so, until a satisfactory arrange: ment is arrived at, No mate on shore will sign under 90 dollars, 2nd mate 60 dollars.
A meeting of engineers will be held this evening (4th) in the Marine Club to con-idea what steps shall ho taken in connection with the strike of the mates.—Daily Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.