Fra Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 8293, 4 June 1912

A NORWEGIAN BARQUE.
TROUBLES WITH THE CREW.

(Per Press Association.)

 

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.

 

 

Fra Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 130, 1 June 1912

THE BARQUE WHINLATTER

 

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.

 

 

Fra Ashburton Guardian — 5 June 1912

THE BARQUE WHINLATTER

(Per Press Association)

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.