LYTTELTON.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9023, 8 February 1895, Page 6

LYTTELTON.

Thuesdat; February 7.3; i {Before N. C. Schumacher, Esq., J. P.) Absconding . WrnfKssgs.— -J. W. Staples asfd Isaac Simpson* /seamen on board the steamer Mainari, %ere charged that, being under recognizance- to appear at Christchurch on the ißth February, 1895, they were about to loave the colony. They pleaded guilty, and were remanded till, the following day. V ; Anothbr Case.—Edward Cooper, nightwatchman on thf steamer, was similarly charged. He was'defended by Mr Nalder, and pleaded not guilty. Constable Garrott Fitzgerald deposed that Captain Levack, of the Mamari, had refused to pay Off ,»-he men unless they deserted the ship. Cooper and the others refused to desert unless tlioy were, discharged. Copper eaid ho would not desert the ship on auy accouub. Took out a warrant for. Cooper, bub did not execute it on Wednesday night as defendant was night watchman of. thd eteamer, and the police did notywish to take him away from his post. Could nojfc find the defendant on Thursday morning. Afterwards orreatod him, when he admitted he was in hiding. He also said he had been advised by his solicitor" not to desert the ship. Sergeant Rutledge gave similar evidence. Mr Nelder said defendant was an apprentice, and his time was nearly expired. He was due to sit for bis examination in April, and if be was not in London by then he would lose his examination Hi* Worship said it would no doubt be a very great hardship to keep the defendant hero. His evidence had been taken and could be used in the Supreme Cojirfc .Under the circumstances he would dicsharge the defendant. The defendant thou lefc the Court and joined his steamer, which had dropped lanchor in the stream pending tKe trial.