“JERVIS BAY” TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1928, Page 1

“JERVIS BAY” TROUBLE

'i RIAL OF THE MEN. EVIDENCE OF THE CAPTAIN. i United-Press Association.—Ry Electric Telegraph.—Copyright! > CO’LGAIRO, June 20. After the inquiry on the Jervis Bay, an armed escort of nine men brought the eight stowaways ashore this aitcrnooii. Thereupon tiie men were taken to flic Police Court. Air Roberts, an advocate, was assigned to them as counsel. The accused were cliargd as fallows:— '• - (1) "With being stowaways. (2) With disobeying orders to work. (3) With committing mischief Insetting fire to tho vessel’s furniture and bedding. Replying to a question, Captain Daniels said that not one member of the crew was in any way involved*' He was proud to say that the press imputation in this respect was wicked and untrue.

The names of the accused are: John Anderson, Thomas Blaylock, John Fletcher, William' Teasey, AVilliam AlacKay, David AlcMilla'n, Douglas Bruce,' Arthur Jackson. The last named, Jackson, is the half-caste Cuban.

The accused pleaded guilty to all of the charges, except that of arson. Captain Daniels gave evidence along the lines cabled. He said that the stowaways were told to keep to themselves. They were given two cabins, and were given tho same food as the passengers. Some of them were set to clean the decks and others the brnsswork. Later on, all of them refused to worlc. Only Blaylock had complained' of the food! He (Captain Daniels) had the accused evicted from the cabins, and taken to the isolation hospital, and they were instructed not to go beyond the iron rail. The men then left their quarters and annoyed the passengers. During a dance they behaved in a disorderly manner.' They were overpowered by the crow. They used filthy language, and were taken back to the isolation hospital and put in irons.

Captain Daniels added that the stowaways used an iron crow-bar to remove the hatches. They went perilously near to the electric "wires connected with the steering gear, which, if cut, would have rendered the ship helpless. Nobody but witness and the chief! officer knew that the electric wires were there. The accused caused fires to the bedding. There was much inflammable material on the upper deck, ’flic liose was turned oil tho men. AYitness then sent a message for help. Tho accused openly told tho passengers and officers that they were determined to set (ire to the ship.

ANOTHER JERVIS BAY INCIDENT LONDON, June 2(1, A Colombo message states the s.s. .Jervis liny was raising the second anchor when a delegate representing the engine-room trade unionists told the captain “ AVc won’t take the ship to sen.” The Captain ordered him off tlio bridge and said lie would deal'with him after the ship 101 l port. There was no further trouble and the Jervis Bay sailed at midnight. 1