THE CASE OF THE PETREL. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Russell, June 9.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2172, 10 June 1886, Page 2

THE CASE OF THE PETREL. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Russell, June 9.

The four deserters from the whaleship Petrel were found guilty of desertion at the R.M. Court, and each sentenced to one month's imprisonment in Mount Eden Gaol. At the consular inquiry to-day, the taking of evidence was commenced. The captain hns made a statement, blaming the chief officer who had been discharged, for stirring up the men to make the allegations of cruelty. He says he had to remonstrate with the mate for his brutalities towards the men, but boine _ himself sick a great part of the time, he did not see many of the acts of cruelty that are alleged, and heard of some of them for the first time since he came to Runsell. The greatest excitement prevails at Russell over the case. Owing to the very contradictory statements, every one hesitated in forming an opinion. The captain and first mate are avowed enemies, yet each has charges to meet from the crew. Both the captain and first mate profess horror at the charges of death having been caused by ill-treatment, but admit many of the minor allegations. The first mate says the people on shore have no idea what evils exist in whalers. The crew are picked up anyhow, and officers never know who to trust and when lives are safe. What may seem horrible to us is what in regularly practised on whalers, and what he himself has gone through. There are three parties, if not more, in the quarrel, each employing counsel. It has been decided to re-examine the whole of the Petrel's officers and crew, about thirty.

In .another part of this issue Miss Sande* annonnota that she is prepared to receive pupils for instruction on the pianoforte on and after the Ist July, prox, at her residence, Victoria-street, Hamilton, or at the re^dmces of pupils, if required. Tenders wanted for erection of sim oomed cottop at