“JERVIS BAY” SCARE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1928, Page 2

“JERVIS BAY” SCARE

(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) COLOMBO, June 23. A message from the Jervis Bay says the situation is well under control. A wireless received by the local agent states that the trouble is confined to stowaways. . ' The “Slavo” is expected to meat the Jervis Bay at six o’clock this (Saturday) evening, when she will inform the warship Suffolk if assistance is needed. If not required the Suffolk will put back to Colombo. According to the Naval authorities it is surmised that there has been no trouble with the crew. PERTH, June 24. Information given at Fremantle by a man who stated that he was to have stowed away on the Jervis Bay is to the effect that there were to have been fourteen stowaways, but at the last moment six of them became alarmed, and did not go aboard. The eight men who stowed away were all migrants. The information ridicules the idea that the.se men were armed. He states that they did not have even a cigarette or a match lietween them.

LONDON PRESS EXAGGERATIONS LONDON, June 23. There is general relief on the receipt of the latest messages from the liner, Jervis Buy, together with the fact that the liner is in regular communication with other ships. Tlie cruiser Suffolk is proceeding to a favourable posit ion to render assistance if it is necessary. It is revealed also that the “Slavol” is due to reach the liner this evening when armed marines will he placed on the vessel, thus ending the possibility of any further trouble. No maritime event of recent years has aroused such widespread interest or anxiety. The British newspapers have arranged for the urgent dispatch of full details from special correspondents the moment that the liner readies Colombo. The British United Press reports the receipt of a message from Captain Daniel, through the I/opdon manager of the

Line as follows:—“Everything going well. Contradict the statements made relative to the crew of the Jervis Bay. These are absolutely false. Decline any statement except through Australia House.”

Tlie British United Press comments: “It is unknown what statement Captain Daniel has in mind. It is presumed, however, that the crew have remained loyal throughout, though this is the first indication that has been received in London that this was the case.”

Dir Larkin (Agent for the Commonwealth Line) has issued a statement to-night as follows:—“There is no further cause for anxiety. The fact that the Jervis Bay reaches Colombo on Monday instead of on Saturday, is in no wise due to the trouble, as the steamer was two days late in leaving Fremantle. •Immediately the vessel reaches Colombo, what ever legal action is justified will be taken.” The first independent message received from the Jervis Bay was received from a passenger who wirelessed to his relatives in London as follows: “Worry unnecessary, everything safe. Self well. Tlie trouble has l>een greatly exaggerated.”

JERVIS BAY QUIET. COLOMBO, June 23. A naval intelligence officer states the Slavol met the Jervis Bay. An armed guard boarded the vessel and found the stowaways under guard. There was no trouble. The Suffolk will escort the Jervis Bay to Colombo. It is expected at daylight on Monday. Full details will be given on Monday early. .