DREW A KNIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 209, 5 September 1938, Page 10

DREW A KNIFE.

SEAMAN CHARGED.

WATCHMAN INJURED.

YOUNG MAN PLEADS GUILTY.

BXUANDED FOR SENTENCE.

A rusty knife which he drew and used on the evening of Friday last figured as a police exhibit in the Police Court to-day when a seaman named Jonathan Beaver, aged 20, was charged with assaulting Richard Allan Cruller.

Beaver admitted the charge. Sub-Inspector Fox said that duller, a nightwatchman employed by tne Northern Steamship Company, Limited, was standing outside the company s office about 6.30 last Friday . even > n ?: when he eaw Beaver, who wae in a iiair drunken condition, going in a direction away from the scow where he was employed. In a friendly way Cruller, as he put his hand on Beaver s shoulder, said to him, "You should get away on board." Beaver replied, "I'm going on board a home ship to get some beer. Then, without any provocation, Beaver drew a knife from its sheath and went to make a slash at Cruller. Cruller raised one hand to protect himself and received a cut on one finger.

"When he saw the blood that flowed from the cut," added Mr. Fox, "Beaver said, 'I suppose I'd better throw this into the harbour." However, on Cruller s advice he handed him the knife. Constable Meehan was called and he arrested Beaver. His explanation was that all seamen carried knives. As it happened the cut was not serious, but it may have been. If seamen use knives in their work, the majority do not carry them when they are away from their ships. This one is not very sharp. Beaver has not been in trouble previously. He is only a young fellow. However, anyone who draws a knife under such circumstances can only be described as dangerous for the time being."'

The magistrate. Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, remanded Beaver until to-morrow for sentence. In the meantime a report is to be furnished by the probation officer.