THE FLYING CLOUD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 1127, 25 June 1867, Page 7

THE FLYING CLOUD.

To the Editor of the New Zealand Herald. Sis, —You will, we are sure, pardon us for again intruding by asking you to publish the following remarks, it being the only method we can find to lay before the public, truthfully, honourably and fairly, the treatment we are daily receiving. It is fully known that Her Majesty's Customs very wisely and judiciously refused to take any proceedings against the passengers for not permitting the tea and sugar to be landed, although urged to do so ; the head bailiff and master of brig finding their ideas of starving us out a failure, which prevents their having absolute possession of the vessel, and would enable them to sell the brig, but it is well known they cannot do so if we remain on board, also that the authorities would and could not legally eject the passengers; we, not only having paid for the provisions, but also for a passage to San Francisco. The authorities are also well aware of our legally and morally having the first claim on the vessel; finding their views frustrated they have laid a charge against us for insubordinate conduct, on the day Air. Seon came on board to remove all the provisions, he very kindly hoisted the Customs' flag, we are not aware whether he did so with any good intention to the passengers, consequently the Emigration Officer and his boat's crew came on board, and will be able to state, if required, whether they observed any insubordinate conduct on board, unbecoming men in such a position, which will clearly prove this unfounded charge is a miserable scheme to eject us from the vessel and impeach the character of men, who have never committed themselves in any way,having always as the first officer can prove, shown the due and becoming respect to those in charge of the brig, but it falls very hard to do so, when we return it is their wish to annoy and do all they can to starve us from the craft, nevertheless, it is our possitive intention, af.er mature consideratioa to 3'emain on board until we receive our rights.— We are, &c , Thomas Williaiis, Q-. HiacocK, Geo-ge Thbimble, Thomas Grant, Geouge Cljkke, .John Aitkin, William Sahtels, Sidney In-jian, Ge ikge Asliton", David Armstrong. Heniit Wilson, Flying Cloud, June 22, 1567.