LIFE IN ENDEAVOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 109, 11 May 1939, Page 13

LIFE IN ENDEAVOUR

INQUIRY JUSTIFIED

HARSH CONDITIONS ALLEGED

MATTER MOST URGENT

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.)

(Received May 11, 11 a.m.)

LONDON, May 10,

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, Mr. G. H. Shakespeare, replying in the House of Commons- to further questions regarding H.M.S. Endeavour, said that 32 of the complement of 134 had been punished by warrant. It was anticipated that the present ship's company would leave New Zealand in September. The circumstances justified the most urgent inquiry and the Commodore had been asked to investigate allegations of harsh conditiqns in the service.

H.M.S. Endeavour, at present on survey work in New Zealand waters', has the reputation of being the Navy's "hell-ship," stated "Reynold's News," according to a cablegram received on May 8. Fifteen seamen (stated the report) have deserted in 18 months, eleven have broken out of the ship, and 128 have over-stayed their leave. Ratings write home complaining of the "harass and drive" routine on board. The parents of the men are greatly concerned. A Labour member, Mr. H. J. Parker, intends to ask again in the House of Commons if the Admiralty considers the conditions on board the ship are satisfactory.

Mr. Shakespeare, replying to a question in the House of Commons on May 4, said that a number of the offences between June 1, 1937, and December 31, 1938, were desertions. Ten seamen and five stokers broke from the ship; nine seamen and two stokers were absent over their leave. Eighty seamen and 48 stokers warranted punishments, and fourteen' seamen, eight stokers, and five of the deserters had received 60 days' imprisonment in lieu of detention. Six men who broke from the ship were given from five to fourteen days in the cells, and five were deprived of their good-conduct badges. There had been other punishments for absence from the ship.