EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVERY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3190, 8 April 1911, Page 10

EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVERY.

A HANDY JACK TAR.

AMONG THE SPARS: AND RIGGING

NEWCASTLE, March 27;. Quite a sensation nas been caused here, especially among the waterside community, by the discovery of the fact that included in the ship’s complement of the ' French barque Noemi, was a young woman sailor, who had' shipped before tlie mast at Monte, Video, for the voyage to Newcastle. _ _ 1 On the third day out. Captain De Bioia received the surprise of liis nautical career, when one of the sailors came aft and informed him! that there was a young woman “seaman,” who was his wife, among tlie crew in the forecastle. Captain De Broid found the facts- as stated, tlie woman being clad in the usual sea-m-a-n’s garb, and going about k.r -work in quite an orthodox manner. On being spoken to by the captain the “sailor” admitted her sex. She said she and her husband were very lotli to part, and consequently she slapped with him.

The chptain at once arranged for her to occupy one of the cabins, and for the rest of tlie voyage she assisted the cook, and did other light duties . There was no female apparel belonging to the barque, and as the woman herself had none, she was compelled to assume her made attire. On- arrival here Capt. De Broia reported the circum. stances to the authorities, and was greatly relieved when he fordid the episode had caused no -breach of the law.

The lady tar is still on board in -male garb, but is screened from inquisitive eyes. Female clothes are being prepared, and to-morrow the woman will receive her wages; sign off, and leave the ship. She is 21 years of age, an American- subject, with a good figure, and a- pleasant face. She was shipped before the French Consul-General at Monte Video, and no suspicion as to her' sex was then raised. It it understood that the object of tlie couple is to settle down in Australia. The probabilities are that arrangements will be made whereby the husband also will- be allowed to leave the ship, and remain here with his wife. He is described as a fine, manly, young fellow, and passionately fond of his sailor-mate.

During the three days she was before tlie mast tlie young woman engaged in the- ordinary work of t-lie sailor, and was several times aloft among the spars and rigging. . The crew, who were quite taken by surprise, say that .the woman and her husband seemed great pals. The mail semed most -anxious for his mate’s safety and general comfort, and whilst this did not arouse any actual suspicion, it was thought rather strange.