THE SCHOONER CANTEBBUBY AT SAMOA.

Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 3895, 16 January 1878, Page 2

THE SCHOONER CANTEBBUBY AT SAMOA.

A few weeks ago we had occasion to refer to the proceedings in connection with the sale of the above schooner, and we now give the result, cnlled from the " Samoa Times".—A Naval Court was held at the British Consulate, Apia, on Saturday, 30th November, to decide as to the lejrallty or otherwise of the sale of the Canterbury at Pago Pago. The Court was called at the instance of Mr W. J. Hunt, the late owner, who protested that the sale was illegal. Captain Eotiinson, the master of the vessel: Mr Mair. the supercargo, who bought the vessel; Copt. Wright, who surveyed the vessel; Mr Kelly, the mate; and several others gare evidence. The testimony was of a most extraordinary character. Mr Mair swore that Hunt, before the Canterbury left Apia, took him and others into a back house in the town, and told them that he was going to eend the vessel to Pago Pago to be condemned, and that he f Mair) was to bny her for aMr Eckford, meaning himself, adding that it was the only way to clear himself from the liabilities he had incurred in Auckland. The captain contradicted this evidence, and said he was compelled to put into Pago Pago, as the ship was leaking badly. Captain Sadler, of Apia, was called, and swore that when the Canterbury left he understood that she was to be condemned and sold in Pajro. He was led to understand so by Hunt himself. The Court, wishing to know whe the mortgagees were, received the following reply : —National Bonk of New Zealand. £250 ;Mr Hill, £125; B. Cashmore. £125. The Court found that the sale was legal, ordered Hunt to pay all expenses, and awarded Mair 5s compensation. The Court also recorded its strong disapprobation of the coudnct of Mr Hunt. Mr Hunt protested against the decision, but his protest was not entertained. Mr Mair subsequently sold the schooner to a Chinaman, who, however, refused to pay until the papers had been signed by consul, who was away at the time.