REFUSING DUTY ON THE NELSON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8929, 19 December 1887, Page 5

REFUSING DUTY ON THE NELSON.

VESSELS AT SEA DURING CHRIST-

OP THE MEN.

H.M.B. Nelson had not long dropped anchor in harbour on Saturday when it became known that something was wrong on board, especially when it was announced that the

ship was to proceed to sea on either Friday or Saturday next, and remain away until the Tuesday morning following, thus debarring the officers and crew of having their Christ* mas on shore. It appears that for some time past a portion of the upper deok crew of the flagship have shown signs of discontent, and in various ways on the passage across from Sydney have acted in such an unruly manner a* to necessitate some firm steps being taken to punish the offenders; hence the decision that the Nelson shall be absent from port during the Christmas holidays. From enquiries made, it appears that the men complain of the very severe work put upon them in the matter of drill, etc., and consequently a portion of them have grown so discontented with their position that they have almost gone so far as to refuse duty altogether ; and it is said that if the vessel goes to sea, as at present arranged, they will absolutely refuse duty. On the way from Sydney, it is said that letters were sent to Admiral Fairfax informing him that the men would commit certain breaches of duty, and the threats were carried out to the extent that several of the sights of the guns are missing, and they are thought to have been throws overboard by one or more of the malcontents. It is to be regretted that matters have assumed such a position that requires the Nelson's absenoe from port at such a period, as by this step the innocent will have to suffer as well as the guilty ; but there is no doubt but that in Buch a ease as the present, firm and decisive steps have to be taken to prevent what might eventuate in an open mutiny. As showing the disposition of the men, it may be stated that yesterday, at church service on board, a portion of them refrained from making any responses during the conduct of the church parade.