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Fra Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 8293, 4 June 1912 A NORWEGIAN
BARQUE. |
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AUCKLAND,
June 3 1912. From details supplied from a storekeeper at Ahipara Bay the
following story is concerning the presence of- the Norwegian barque
Whinlatter there. About three months ago the Whinlatter, with a scratch
crew of eighteen of all nationalities, left Rio de Janeiro in ballast
for New Caledonia, to load chrome ore for Glasgow. Right from the start
four men refused duty, and were confined and put on short rations. They
demanded grog, and were eventually given a few bottles of port wine,
which was the only kind of alcoholic liquor on board. They still refused
duty, and the rest of the crew appeared to be in sympathy with the
malcontents. It is alleged that the stores were broached, and that what
the crew could not eat was destroyed and thrown overboard. It is also
alleged that some of' the men pulled out plugs in the oil casks, leaving
the vessel short of oil and without sidelights. A severe hurricane was
experienced just after crossing the Equator, and the whole crew refused
to go aloft to furl the storm sails, which were consequently blown to
ribbons. About a fortnight ago the Whinlatter fetched up outside Manukau
Heads. The captain signalled for a pilot, but was warned off by a
lighthouse-keeper, as the bar was dangerous at the time. He had
subsequently anchored at Ahipara, because he saw houses there and wanted
stores. He got these from the storekeeper, and asked Maoris, who went
out to the vessel in whaleboats, not to take any of the crew ashore.
Nevertheless, six of the crew rowed ashore in one of the ship's boats,
which was afterwards found stove-in on the rocks. It is said that three
of the deserters are working at Hokianga, and three at the Awanui
wireless station. The captain told Mr Houston that he could only rely on
the mate, the sailmaker, and his own fourteen-year-old son to help him
with the ship. The rest of the crew refused to go further until the six
deserters were replaced. A cablegram for instructions has been sent to
the owner's in Norway, and when a reply comes the ship will be signalled
by bonfire from the shore. It is believed that in her present position
the Whinlatter, exposed to the full force of the- open sea and westerly
gale, is in some danger of being driven ashore. Captain Jansen has
his'wife and child aboard with him. |
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Fra Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 130, 1 June 1912 THE BARQUE
WHINLATTER |
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AUCKLAND, 31st
of May. Some further details regarding the Norwegian barque Whinlatter,
1399 tons, which were forwarded to the Collector of Customs, tend to
dispel the shadows of mystery which have surrounded the doings of the
-vessel since her Captain' Janeen went ashore last night, and was in
conversation with the Customs Agent. He explained that the vessel was
not from New Caledonia, but was en route from Rio de Janeiro to New
Caledonia to load ore for Glasgow. The captain would not agree to take
the agent out to secure the ship's papers, on the grounds that the
vessel was in such a dangerous position that he wished to get away as
soon as possible. The fact that the Whinlatter is not from New Caledonia
disposes of the theory that has been advanced in some quarters that the
six men who landed were escaped French prisoners. There is still no
information available in regard to deserters, although enquiries are
being made throughout the northern, district. |
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Fra Ashburton Guardian — 5 June 1912 THE BARQUE
WHINLATTER |
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AUCKLAND, June 4. The Collector of Customs received a telegram to-day that the barque Whinlatter is still at anchor at Ahipara Bay. The vessel evidently is unable to get out to sea owing to the strong westerly wind. Captain Subritzky, of the auxiliary schooner Taihound, who saw the Whinlatter at anchor, and who is acquainted with the coast thereabouts, considers that the vessel is in a most dangerous position. A further telegram received states that four of the deserters have been seen by the police. One is an Englishman, another a Scotchman. The remaining two are Norwegians. All were able to pass the education test required of them. |