CRUELTY ON HIGH SEAS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 147, 12 September 1927, Page 12

CRUELTY ON HIGH SEAS

ARREST OF A CAPTAIN INHUMAN CONDUCT CHARGE By Cable. —Press Association. —Copyright NEW YORK, Friday. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Captain Michael Crowley, now somewhere on the high seas, on a charge of the inhuman and barbarous treatment of Fred. Thomas, formerly an officer in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. While Thomas was a steward on board the American oil-ship Manatawny, it is alleged that on the first night out at sea he fell against an exposed steampipe and burned his hands to the bone. The injured man cried aloud in his agony all night, but received no treatment. Next morning, it is stated, he was ordered out by Captain Crowley, handcuffed and tied to a rail on deck. Cold salt water was then played on him from a hose until he fainted. It is asserted that Thomas was not permitted to leave the ship at Haiti, although a doctor ordered him to be sent to hospital. It is understood a complaint was laid by the British Ambassador, Sir Esme Howard, to Mr. F. B. Kellogg, Secretary of State. Sir Esme said Sir Austen Chamberlain was interested and was convinced of th€! truth of the charges. Thomas’s arm is useless. He and his wife and child are in dire straits.

The criminal statutes provide for the payment of damages as well as a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine ol: £2OO in the event of a person beiag found guilty in such circumstances.—A. and N.Z.