Master for his observations, I have the honour to
May 1890.
forward to Your Lordship a copy of Captain Rumsey's explanations in regard to the complaint made against him by Mr. Henry Winter, First Mate of the Sumatra.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord, Your Lordship's Most Obedient
Humble Servant,
J. Ferming
Copy.
Enclosure.
Harbour Master's Explanations.
IREC
C. O.
12592
REG(JUL90)
209
I regret that I am quite unable to give
any explanation of this matter, for I have no recollection
whatever of it.
I find that the "Sumatra" arrived here from New
South Wales on 19th September and sailed for Celebes on 7th
October, 1889.
She arrived again on 16th January 1890 and sailed
for Hamburg on 23rd April last, and Henry Winter sailed in
her as 1st Mate.
That, while at Hongkong on the first occasion, he
wrote a letter preferring a charge against the Master, it
is impossible for me to gainsay, but it would appear at
least improbable that two letters on the same subject
should go astray, for I can positively say that I have no
recollection of having received any such letter.
With regard to his personal application, it does
not appear that he claims to have seen me on either occasion,
I have made enquiries throughout the Office and no one has
any recollection of his coming here, and I can only say that
it is quite contrary to the practice in this office for any one who calls to see me to be sent away without being heard; my custom being, if I am engaged, to direct one of the Staff
to enquire and report to me at once.
Winter makes a very circumstantial statement; and
I feel it is unsatisfactory that I cannot do more than
answer