AT THE WHARF GATES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 126, 28 May 1918, Page 6

AT THE WHARF GATES.

MEN WHO TRIED TO PUSH IN. ARRESTED AND SENT TO GAOL. There was frame excitement at the Queen's wharf yesterday, when one or two people, who had no right, tried to force their way on the wharf, despite warnings iby the eentry. As a consequence three men were arrested, and came before Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., to-day. Albert William Maxwell (41) and Roy Maxwell (32) were charged that yesterday evening disregarded a warning of the military guard at the Queen's wharf, and entered on the wharf. The evidence wae to the effect that accused, two civilians, somewhat under the influence of drink, went to the gate at the Queen's wharf, and asked to go aboard a boat. They were told that the boat in question was at the King's wharf, and were warned off the Queen's wharf. One of them, Albert Maxwell, then made some insulting remark about "tin soldiers," and made a rush to get through the gate, while passengers of the ship were giving their passes, and assaulted Corporal Leslie Martin, one of the guard. There wae a disturbance, and Albert Maxwell was arrested and handcuffed by the guard. His brother came to his a&sistance, and was arrested also. Members of the guard stated that they had great difficulty with civilians who started trouble of the kind when they had their hands full trying to get intoxicated members of crews of chips to give up their passes when going back to the ship.

His Worship remarked that the guard had shown commendable restraint in vexatious circumstances, aa they could not have been blamed much if they had used the steel a little. It was highly necessary that the guarding of shipping should be vigilant. The facts that Albert Maxwell was somewhat under the influence of drink and was a returned man would be taken into account, but he was the chief offender, and the Court would have to etop that sort of interference. Albert Maxwell would be sentenced to 21 days' imprisonment, and his brother to fourteen days' imprisonment. John Darroch (42), a seaman, admitted that yesterday he disregarded the warning- of the military guard,, and went on the Queen's wharf. He had been warned off two or three times, but came back and interfered with ship's passengers, who were going through the gate, and went inside. He was arrested, and struggled violently when the arresting member of the guard was taking him away. Darroch was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment.