LIFE ON THE HIGH SEAS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 14, 7 May 1914, Page 7

LIFE ON THE HIGH SEAS.

A DESERTERS SENSATIONAL , STORY. [Pbb Pekbs ASSOCIATION.] Auckland, May 6. Harold Nelson, who was arrested on a charge of having deserted from the Steamer Holliugtou, was a steward on the vessel.: He asserts that the Greek crew had told him he could have his choice when again on the high seas between knifing and being thrown overboard. He was, he states, physically fit when he left Newport on New Year's Day, and. to-day he was just a bundle of nerves. It had been a common sight to see foreigners among the crew using their knives and fighting with them. He was told on arrival at Auckland ho had to make up the. manifest. He knew the Greeks had quantities of tobacco, and it was his duty to inform the Custoine officers, and that they refused to account for it. The crew thereupon swore it would be the end of him. They rushed his cabin, and when he bolted the door they smashed the port hole and he was lucky to escape with his life. In Court to-day the police stated that the Charge of desertion would not be proceeded with nor would Nelson be required to join the ship, providing ho paid ' costs amounting to £2 10s. This he agreed to do, and he was discharged.