THE BARQUE CAMBUSDOON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14975, 22 April 1909, Page 8

THE BARQUE CAMBUSDOON.

THE CREW SEEK ASSISTANCE. The unsatisfactory position in connection with the barque Cambusdoon continues. Although the vessel has been pronounced seaworthy and in good order by the local authorities, the crew are still dissatisfied. Yesterday morning a large deputation from the crew waited upon Captain Marcieh Marine Superintendent, and stated their case to him. They, alleged that the Cambusdoon was not in a fit state to proceed to sea, on the ground that the bilges were choked with gram. Wheat had, they said, been brought up by the pumps, and it could only be supposed that the bilges, which constitute the sewago system of the ship's hull must be full of grain. If that were so. and the vessel made water, or if water found its way below, it could not be pumped out, and the risks of a voyage would thus bo greatly increased. , The Collector of Customs at Christchurch was apprised of the turn affairs had taken, and went to Lyttelton to look into tho matter, but. ho was unable to give any information as to what was likely to happen. In reply to the men’s statement that the bilges are choked 'with grain, it is stated that the inspection of the ship disclosed that that is not the case at all. Indeed, it is freely rumoured in Lyttelton that the crew have really no grounds for their behaviour, and being desirous of not going further in the barque, 'are trumping up stories to fit in with .their wishes. The greatest surprise is expressed that the barque, considering that she was found sound, was brought in to a berth at all: but is is understood that that step was taken to allow the surveyors to obtain tho fullest facilities for their inspection. Now it appears that the attitude the crew have taken up may lead to costly legal proceedings. In common with other vessels, the Cambusdoon has had her loadline altered within the last two years, giving her a greater carrying capacity, and making her heavier in the water than she was when fully loaded under the old regulations. She was loaded down to her mark when she left Sydney.

The present position is one of the most unsatisfactory that can arise in connection with a ship.. The Cambusdoon has an engagement to perform, but her crew have held her up absolutely, either until their demands aro acceded to or until the law can compel them to go to soa. The question arises whether, in declining to proceed in a vessel which has been passed as seaworthy by Lloyd's representatives, who aro among the highest shipping authorities, they are not running tho risk of a charge of mutiny. It has been suggested by sailing masters that tho ship should hare been put to soa under easy sail by the officers, in a fair wind, and loft ns she was till tho men agreed to work her, as nothing can be seen to justify the crow’s claim that she is not sound. One of tho experts who examined tho barque, when asked yesterday morning what was the matter, said “ Nothing whatever. They ought to put to sea at once, and I think that is what will be. done pretty soon.”