SHIP DESERTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23621, 3 April 1940, Page 11

SHIP DESERTIONS

DOZENS IN AUSTRALIA MANY YOUNG FOREIGNERS [from oun OWN correspondent] SYDNEY, March 27 Foreign sailors from ships trading between Australia and Europe are deserting iu dozens in Australian ports. In the last fortnight there have been 20 desertions from ships iu Sydney and Newcastle alone. The desertions are occurring from ships that have been through the danger zones. Nationalities detected> so far have been Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch and Greek. There have been a few Americans. but Americans have been leaving their ships in Australia for years past. They consider Sydney a "home from home."

Most of the deserters are traced soon after they leave their ships. Some are finding work and are being allowed to remain in the country if tlicy are good types. Some sailors are suspected of having signed on ships for Australia with the object of deserting and remaining in a land which is not menaced by sudden bombings and invasion.

A study of the deserters reveals that they are mostly young men. The older sailor does not seem to worry about the dangers of the sea, and sticks staunchly to his ship. Some of the deserters vanish from their ships just before sailing time, leaving their belongings in their quarters. Others are more systematic. Tliey pack their bags and leave no trace aboard.