THE COLD AT SEA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3839, 24 June 1873, Page 2

THE COLD AT SEA.

In consequence of a report having reached the " New York Herald" office that a wholesale desertion of sailors had taken place from the English ship Chersonese, from Calcutta, a reporter was sent down to learn the particulars, of the oaße, and the following is his report i — ' - Upon reaching the Khersonese the first mate, Mr Walter, was found on deck, and xnade the following statement : — " We had fine weather on our voyage from Calcutta till February 23, when we were 250 miles southeast of Sandy Hook, when the wind shifted to the northwest, and since that time we had a succession of heavy gales, with very heavy sea and intensely cold weather, the crew suffering Tery much from exposure, and a large number being unfit for duty. Forty-eight hours ago I can fairly say two-thirds of the men were unfit for duly. We have bow got an apprentice boy on board named Baillie, a native of Scotland, who is badly frostbitten, but it was his own fault, as he would go in the galley to warm bia hands after he had been aloft. You see, continued the mate, painting to some eight or ten men at work on the deck, this is all the gang that remains out of a crew of thirty-five: The balance left as soon as we were moored to .the dock this morning, whioh we should consider in England an act of desertion ; but here they have so many first, second, and third degrees that I hardly know what to call it. I have no doubt (satirically) that the sickest men are drunkest at this moment. I wouldn't go the length of my nose to bring the majority of 'em back. One of the reasons why the crew suffered so much is that they had not sufficient clothing, not having calculated upon encountering such severe weather on their voyage to New York. The men have sigeed articles to remain by the flhip for two yearß. I have not been in bed for forty-eight hours, and you must excuse me talking any further. Good day, sir."