CHARGE OF DESERTION.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14327, 12 April 1912, Page 9

CHARGE OF DESERTION.

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES."

(PRKSS ASSOCIATION* TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, April 11. Unusual circumstances in connection with a charge oi desertion from the steamer Tongariro, which occurred in Wellington about a year ago, -wero mentioned in tho Police Court to-day. A middle aged man namod Charles Hearn tidim'ted the offence but said that ho had deserted without intention. He had spent an evening: with several friends and did not recover in time to rejoin his ship beforo sho' sailed, at a timo when tho sum of £7 was owing to him in wages. Sine* then he had worked hard in the country and gained several certificates, which ho produced. "He has not been a nuisance by any means," said Sub-Inspector Hendry, "and if ho had not been straightforward with im ho would not bo before tho Court now."

Mr F. V. Fraser. S.M., said that ho would certainy not send the man to gaol, and ho was loth to make him pay expenses for a mistake ho had mnde over a y«ir ago. As £7 was still due to him, this sum was now held by tho Board of Trade, and it would be ridiculous if th«> Board kept it when (ho steamer's owners had been put to expe-oo in the matter. Hc&rn wcu.d havo to pay the cost «f the issuo of the warrant, and an effort would bo made to have this Tc.'unded out cf his wage?, which should so to ihe company. Accused vrould be discharged.