THE BURNING OF THE J.T. BERRY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2423, 21 January 1888, Page 2

THE BURNING OF THE J.T. BERRY.

[UNITED PKES.S ASSOCIATION.] (By Electkiu Teleukai/h—Copvuight.) Sydney, January 19. The survivors of the American ship J- T. Berry arrived here to-da-y. They complain bitterly of the illtreatment received by the crew of the ill-fated vessel at the hands of the captain and tha chief officers. They assert that thu men who are now missing were cruelly abandoned to their fate. It appears that before the fire occurred, a member of the ship's company had been engaged below painting tanks, which neces sitated, his using a lifiht, and there may possibly be some connection between this circumstance and the orign of the lin\ When the (ire was first discovered, and before it had assumed any dimensions, the starboard boat was liuriedly launched. The survivors entered it, and cut the painter, leaving the port boat for the remainder of the crew. The explosion which tore up the deck , * had not then occurred, but the fire had enveloped the port boat and rendered it useless. Moreover, it was not possible, at any time after the outbreak of the fire to have launched it, owing to the intense heat, s.i that it is believed that the other unformnates never left the ship but perished with her. The fact that the captain and •irst mate io the same boat is already unfavourably commented on.