JERVIS BAY MUTINY

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 June 1928, Page 5

JERVIS BAY MUTINY

EXTENT OF TROUBLE CONTRADICTORY MESSAGES (Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, June 21. The owners of the liner “Jervis Bay” went home early this morning content to believe that what was yesterday described as “the most amazing ‘S.O.S.’ that the seven seas have ever known,” was either misconstructed, or was a gigantic hoax. A more serious view however, was held in other quarters. The recent behaviour of the “Esperance Bay’s” crew is recalled at great length.

' Neither the owners’ agent at Colombo, nor the Admiralty, were able throughout the night to add much information to “Jervis Bay's” original message, which a check up reveals to have read as follows:—“Having trouble with eight desperate stowaways. Is there any warship on the track? 1780 miles east, and forty-two miles north of Galle. Proceeding towards Colombo.”

The Warship “Enterprise” replied: “No warship in neighbourhood. Report if situation serious.” Since these messages were interchanged the liner’s wireless has become ominously silent. IL is considered here that the reference to the liner’s position should read “78 degrees east, ' 42 minutes north,” thus placing her about, four hundred miles south-east of Galle. One startling suggestion in Australian circles is that, in view of the recent, ship cooks’ strike, desperate stowaways may mean that “armed Communists” were smuggled aboard the liner.

Another suggestion however, accounting for the mutilation of the “5.0.5.” is that rougher elements, in their first rush, may have overpowered the wireless operator and cut down the wireless halliards. It is recalled that the liner had a short-wave transmitter aboard for experimental direct communication with Australia throughout the voyage, and possibly the “5.0.5.” may have been sent out over this set by one of the wireless operators to amateur friends of the passengers. The officials of the line say that neither Captain Daniels njor Chief Officer Laycock are the type of men to stand any nonsense from eight stowaways. The chief fear is that portion of the crew came under the influence of the stowaways. Happenings near Bias Bay (Chinese pirates’ base) have shown how easily a handful of ruffians can by surprise attack, take command of a vessel, though the purpose of such a prank is inexplicable. The authorities consider the general run of Australian seamen are too level headed to indulge in sabotage. The Admiralty does not expect the “Enterprise’s” captain to Report the incident by cable. They say that the Governor of Ceylon, who has a number of armed auxiliaries at his disposal, will deal with the matter locally.

ANOTHER S.O.S.

THREAT TO FIRE SHIP.

(Received June 22. 10.30 a.m.) COLOMBO, June 21.

The warship Enterprise received a wireless at five o’clock in the morning from Jervis Bay: “Mutineers threatening to set ship afire. Send immediate assistance. Passengers alarmed. Constant guard by volunteer passengers. Speedily assist me. Due Colombo Monday morning.”

NAVAL ACTION

CALCUTTA, June 21

A party of marines has been despatched for Tricomalee to embark on the auxiliary steamer Slavol, and instructed to proceed to the Jervis Bav and escort her to Colombo. Naval authorities at Colombo are taking a serious view of the situation and there is much activity at the Naval Intelligence Office.

A. later message from Colombo states that all efforts to establish communication with the Jervis Bay failed. The agents here fear that the ship is entirely in the hands of the mutineers.

excitement in homeland.

RE-ASSURING AIESSAGES.

(Received June 22, 1.30 p.m.)

LONDON, June 21.

Mr Larkin has received a message direct from the captain of the Jervis Bay. that everything was going well, and the stowaways were under safe control. He expected to arrive at Colombo on due date, Monday. The Jervis Bay drama is thrilling England. Every scrap of information is eagerly seized. The morning press, unable to establish proof, presented details sparingly, following the nightlong silence. The dramatic second message set Fleet Street, agog. Ihe evening press rushed out editions. Each message from Colombo was published in. the blackest type since the war specials. The Australian Press Office was inundated with inquiries, while the headquarters of the Line and Australia House were answeiing anxious inquiries from those who had friends or relatives aboard, all day long. . Everybody was talking oi the extraordinary drama of rhe sea. which is believed nowadays to be confined to the pages of fict ion. The fact t hat the Jervis Bay had not communicated wiih either headquarters officially caused bewilderment. Mr Larkin, however ventures one prediction, namelv, that the ringleaders are not Australians. He adds that if there is any loss of life, the leader’s certainly should be hanged.

UNION’S DISCLAIMER

SYDNEY, June 22

In regard to the Jervis Bay rumour, the maritime unions here disclaim any knowledge of a. sinister plot, aboard. In consequence of the sale of the Commonwealth line, the Jervis Bay has a largo number of passengers. A PASSENGER’S LETTER. DUNEDIN, June 22. In connection with the Jervis Bay mutiny, Robert Rae has just received a letter posted at Hobart from his

son, who, with his wife and child, is a passenger on the steamer, stating in part: “They are fine boats, and should have paid, but for the irritation tactics adopted. Now that. Mr Bruce has sold them, the men are all squeals. One never hears children perform as they do. They have hinted at various things, but we are getting along nicely.”