"SERIOUS OFFENCE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1930, Page 7

"SERIOUS OFFENCE."

DESERTION FROM SHIP.

COSTS £350 A DAY.

OFFENDER SENT TO GAOL,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day,

The inconvenience and often expense to which a shipping company is, put in the case of desertions were emphasised by counsel for the Shaw-Savill Company when appearing in the Magistrate s Court in connection with a charge against Peter Cunningham, aged 32, of desertion from the overseas steamer Raranga last year. Cunningham was also charged with having unlawfully landed in Mew Zealand, being a prohibited immigrant. The Collector of Customs /said Cunningham was before the Court a fortnight ago, when lie "Was remanded for a medical examination. ! A' report had now been received that he was free from the disease from which' lie had been suffering, as the Customs authorities had no objection to his remaining in New Zealand he asked that the charge be Withdrawn. This course was agreed to. With regard to the charge of desertion, counsel said Cunningham had put the ■ company to considerable trouble, and also it had had to enter into a bond of £100 in respect to him. "We look upon desertions at any time as a serious offence," said counsel, "but especially during the rush season. We are tied down time, to get ships away, arid a man who holds up his ship for a day costs the company £350. In the case of Cunningham I. would like the full penalty to be extended." Mr. McNeil, S.M., imposed one month's imprisonment. '