DESERTED FROM SHIP

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21961, 9 December 1936, Page 11

DESERTED FROM SHIP

- —♦ YOUNG MAN CONVICTED FOR DRUNKENNESS [THE PRESS Special Service.] BLENHEIM, December 8. His action in getting drunk at Havelock on November 23 proved costly to a young man named William John Cousins, who after enquiries had been made by the police, was found to be a deserter from the liner Rangitata when it was at Wellington on August 27. Charged on two counts of drunkenness and desertion at the Magistrate’s Court this morning, the accused pleaded guilty and was convicted and discharged on each charge and ordered to pay expenses amounting to £7 10s. Sergeant Smyth said that the accused was arrested when drunk in Lucknow street, Havelock. He was in a bad way and his condition necessitated bis being held at Picton until this week. During this time it was found that he was wanted at Wellington for ship desertion, and expense had been incurred in obtaining a substitute for him. The sergeant said that the boat had returned to England and he did not think the accused would be wanted again. However, he would ask for the repayment of £7 10s expenses. Asked if he had anything to say, the accused said that he had been working at Forsyth Island and had gone to Havelock and had had too much drink. If given a chance, he promised he would make good and repay the money he owed within a month. He said he intended to take out a prohibition order if he “got off.” Cousins was ordered, to repay the expenses at the rate of £1 a week, beginning on January 8. It was emphasised that everything was conditional on the prohibition order being taken out.