Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Friday 26 October 1888, page 10


THE QUEENSLAND GOVERN-

MENT AND CAPTAIN WRIGHT.

——•——

DISMISSAL OF THE CAPTAIN.

(BY TELEGRAPH FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)

BRISBANE, THURSDAY.

With reference to the dispute between Captain Wright, of the Gayundah, and the Government it is reported that on the Colonial Secretary being apprised of the arrest of Lieutenant Taylor, he, acting for the Chief Secietary, requested Lieutenant Taylor to come on shore On this being int mated to Captain Wright Lieutenant Taylor was informed by that officer that if he attempted to go on shore he would at once be placed under arrest. The Chief Secretary took drastic measures and subsequently dis-missed Captain Wright from the Queensland Defence Service. A Gazette extraordinary notifying this was issued this morning.

LATER.

Matters in connection with the dispute with the late senior naval officer assumed a rather sensational phase this afternoon. A letter was sent to Captain Wright by the Colonial Secretary, informing him of the de-cision of the Government, and enclosing a copy of the Gazette containing his dismisall. A letter was also forwarded to Lieutenant Taylor, appointing him to act in place of Captain Wright. Shortly afterwards it was reported to the Colonial Secretary that the appear-ances on board the gunboat Gayundah indi-

catcd that the vessel had been got ready for sea, and this being found to be the case, the commissioner of police was instructed at about 4 o clock to take possession of the Gayundah and remove Captain Wright by force if necessary. At this time the Gayun-dah was flying the white ensign, and was in charge at Sub lieutenant Rus-sell by order of Captain Wright, who was also on board. About 20 armed constables were marched down to the Queens park, opposite which the Gayundah was ljing mid a boat with the commissioner of police and Inspector Lewis put off to the ship On going on board the commissioner had a long conference with Ciptmi Wright, and it is understood that be endeavoured to persuade lum to accept the situation and go ashore quietly 1 he captain was at first not inclined to yield but he fin illy consented to do so under protest. lu the meanwhile the under Colonial Secretary mid the police magistrate had come on board, and they also endeavoured to persuade tho captain to submit Huving written a letter to the Colonial Secretary, Captain W right carne on deck reading a copy of it to tho com missioner of police and protesting ofliunlly ngainst the removal of his person from the ship. He also read nn Admiralty warrant wherein the services of the Gayundah and the men and officers Bcrving therein were placed under the disposal ot Her Majesty Captain Wright then, under protest, relensed Lieutenant 1 nylor from arrest, and after in forming the commissioner of police that he would report mattera to the Admirait) he went aBhore. It is believed that it wns the intention of Captain W right to take the Gayundah to Sydney Sufficient coal had been taken on board loraboutl-dasssteaming, and the vessel was also provisioned for three months. The senior naval olhcer had no power to order stores except through tho pay mnater, but he gave the chief steward written orders to obtain provisions Hie stewart did so, and for this ho has been dismissed It is understood HintSub lieutenant Russell s services hnve also been dispensed with for neglecting to obey the order of the Colonial Secretary.