STOWAWAY EATS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 10

STOWAWAY EATS

HUNGEK STRIKE ENDS EXAMINATION BY DOCTOR MEN TO REMAIN ON SHIP FUTURE VERY UNCERTAIN The Russian stowaway Michael Levinsky, who began a hunger strike on the steamer Brandon ten days ago, decided last night to eat. He limited his meal, however, to two slices of bread and butter and a cup of tea. The other stowaway, his fellow-country-man, Jan Romanofk, who is leading a normal existence, has also been under lock and key since the ship arrived at Auckland, but was released yesterday to take exercise on the deck. The hunger striker was visited yesterday by the port health officer, Dr. G. Graham Russell, and Levinsky told him through his compatriot Romanofk that he would not eat. Romanofk also told the doctor that he had not seen Levinsky take any food. A Doctor's Suspicions Dr. Russell said last night that Levinsky's condition was not bad lor a man who had not eaten for ten days —if his statement was correct. He had suspicions that the man was eating, however. < Although the collector of customs, Mr. J. Mcintosh, has agreed to grant a temporary permit to Levinsky to allow him to be taken ashore to hospital for forcible feeding, the agents for the Brandon'have made no application for one. It is stated that they do not wish to take him ashore in view of possible complications. "I think he will go on eating nOw," said an officer of the Brandon last night. He said Levinsky had probably been unable to resist the temptation to eat after seeing the substantial meals provided for Romanofk. Food was provided for both men, and Levinsky was at liberty to eat if he wished. A Similar Case "I think he is weaker,'' said the officer. "If we want to give him exercise, I think we will have to take him out on a stretcher." It has now been definitely decided that the stowaways will remain under lock and key until the Brandon leaves New Zealand. Their future destination will depend entirely on the decision of the immigration authorities of the countries where the ship may call. There is a case on record where similar "men without a country" were carried from port to port for nearly two, years until they found a country that would accept them.