GAOL FOR STOWAWAYS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 390, 26 June 1928, Page 1

GAOL FOR STOWAWAYS

TRIAL AT COLOMBO THOSE “EXCITING MESSAGES” (Australian Press Association.) Reed. 11.11 a.m. COLOMBO, Mon. The stowaways were convicted on four counts and sentenced to five and a-half months’ imprisonment. Mr. H. B. Larkin, London manager of the line, said the Jervis Bay incident was merely a storm in a teacup, and that he would not comment on the captain’s action till he obtained a personal explanation. He Instructed the captain not to provide the Press with any more exciting messages.

A memorial has been signed by more than 300 of the passengers on the Jervis Bay, addressed to Captain Daniel, in which they express their appreciation of his tact and ability and of the leniency with which he and his officers dealt with a difficult situation. The signatories say they did not observe any signs of the crew’s active sympathy with the stowaways, but heard ma ly of them strongly condemning their insubordinate behaviour. -“We are gravely concerned at the untrue rumours concerning the alleged attitude of the crew. We saw nothing but the crew’s active loyalty in assisting the commander and officers,” says the memorial. The preliminary inquiry on board the Jervis Bay was conducted by the Principal Collector of Customs. At the conclusion it was decided that the men should be trie'll locally before a Marine Court of Inquiry. The eight accused men, all stowaways, consist of four Englishmen, three Scotsmen, and one American negro. They were remanded and taken to prison by the police. The passengers disembarked after the inquiry had ended.