A DASH FOR FREEDOM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3740, 12 January 1907, Page 4

A DASH FOR FREEDOM.

There is quite an adventurous flavour about the escape of the British steamer Briardale from Genoa, briefly mentioned in a recent cable message. The vessel arrived at Genoa 011 March 6th i9°s, with a full cargo ol coals from Newcastle. Discharging operations were commenced, and had nearly been completed, when the Italian authorities came on board and served notices respecting certain claims alleged to have been incurred. The Briardale was then ordered to the outer breakwater, and there moored with instructions that site must not be moved until her case was decided in the law courts there. After remaining inactive for several months, the crew were sent home to England, only the captain, officers and apprentices remaining. Another month passed away, when the master despairing of the success of the negotiations which were still slowly proceeding, I also took his departure, with the rest ot those on board, leaving behind only the male. On October 31st, the courts decided in favour of the Briardale, and Captain Henderson, three engineers, and a second officer, were despatched from Tyneside to bring the ship home. On their arrival they found the hull of the steamer thickly coated with barnacles, and in such a state that it was necessary to place her in a dry-dock to be cleaned. On the morning of Nov. 6th she was in fit condition fer sea. Still the harbour authorities objected to the vessel leaving, an appeal having been lodged in the case. Captain Henderson, however, now that he had got his ship fit, and being thoroughly tired of this apparently endless litigation, had no intention of wasting any further time. Euckily there were 130 tons of coal on board, left after the voyage from the Tyne, and a mixed crew was hastily engaged. Being suspicious that a sudden departure was about to be made, the authorities put obstacles iu the way of the ship obtaining the necessary supply of provisions. When an attempt was at last made to move, a boat continuing a number of officials was seen approaching. Matters were becoming exciting, and the Briardale’s ladder was pulled up and full steam put on. The officials shouted that an appeal had been made against the decision of the courts, and the vessel must not leave the harbour. No heed was paid to this demand, and the steamer continued to plough her way through a heavy sea and in the midst of a terrible thunderstorm. One heavy peal broke right over her, and the crew for the moment believed it was the guns booming trom the forts to prevent their escape. In a short while, however, neutral waters were reached, and the Briardale was once more free. The authorities both English and Italian, agree that the escape was highly improper, but the newspapers have no doubt as to the direction of public sympathy.