THE JERVIS BAY

Southland Times, Issue 20522, 26 June 1928, Page 7

THE JERVIS BAY

ARRIVAL AT COLOMBO REPORTS OF MUTINY GREATLY EXAGGERATED PASSENGERS’ VERSION CREW OVERPOWER STOWAWAYS (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.30 p.mj Colombo, June 25. Passengers by the Jervis Bay state that the reports were greatly exaggerated. Shortly after the steamer left Fremantle eight stowaways were discovered. They were given work cleaning brass and provided with cabins. They were also given the same food as the passengers with whom they fed. The stowaways complained of the food and declined to work. On Tuesday they made themselves highly objectionable. They molested ladies on the promenade deck on which they were not allowed, and the captain ordered them to be confined.

Led by a half-caste Cuban, who acted as ring-leader, they offered stout resistance. The crew armed themselves with life preservers and after a fierce fight the stowaways were handcuffed, but continued to struggle. Eventually a hose was turned on them and they were washed down the gangway into the isolation ward, where there were several inches of water on the floor.

Next night, apparently finding a crowbar which had been overlooked, they broke out. Four stowaways were found in the passengers’ quarters. They were recaptured and reconfined.

On Thursday morning fire was seen issuing from below and it was ascertained that they had set the bedding, pillows and clothes alight, necessitating a blazing mass being thrown out of the portholes. The passengers believe that this was merely intended to frighten them and that it was not the stowaways’ intention to fire the ship. The hose was again used and the fire promptly put out. It is also reported that a microphone was installed near the foot of the stairs attached to the wood to detect plots, and that by this means plans to fire the ship were discovered, enabling them to be easily dealt with.—United Service. TRIBUTE TO THE CAPTAIN. (Rec. 12.35 a.m.) Colombo, June 25. Three or four hundred passengers signed a memorial to Captain Daniel expressing appreciation of the tact, ability and leniency wherewith he and his officers dealt with a difficult situation. The signatories stated that they did not observe any sign of the crew’s active sympathy with the stowaways, but heard many strongly condemning their insubordinate behaviour. —Australian Press Association.

AN INQUIRY HELD, MARINE COURT TRIAL FOLLOWS. (Rec. 1 a.m.) Colombo, June 25. An inquiry of a preliminary nature was held on board and was conducted by the principal Collector of Customs. At its conclusion it was decided that the men be tried locally by a marine court of inquiry. The eight accused, all stowaways, consist of four Englishmen, three • Scotchmen and one American negro. They were removed by the police to the remand gaol. The passengers disembarked after the inquiry.—Australian Press Association.