A SAILOR'S STORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8831, 6 May 1914, Page 4

A SAILOR'S STORY.

TERRORISED BY GREEKS

FIGHTING WITH KNIVES AND

TEETH.

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, May 6. Harold Nelson, arrested on a chargethat he deserted from the steamer Hollington, iva.s a steward on the vessel. He asserts that the Greek crew had told him he could have his choice; when again on tlw high sea, between knifing, and being thrown overboard. He was, he states, physically fit when he left Newport on Xew Year's Day, and was noiv just a bundle of nerves. It had, he stated, been a common sight to see. the foreigners among the crew using, their knives and fighting with . their teeth. On arrival at Auckland he had to make up the .manifest. Ho knew the. Greeks hud quantities of tobacco, and it was his duty to inform the Customs officers, and he also told the crew that., they would bi» required to account .for it. The crew therefore swore that it would be ibe end of him. They rushed his cabin, and when he bolted the door they smashed 'the port-hole, and hewas ludov to escape with his life.

In the Court to-day the police stated that the charge of desertion would not y be proceeded with, nor would Nelson borequired to join the ship, provided he paid the costs £2 10s. This he agreed to, and was discharged.