YOUNG DESERTERS FROM SHIP

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28702, 27 September 1958, Page 11

YOUNG DESERTERS FROM SHIP

Lighter Penalties Sought (New Zealand Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 26. The British Sailors’ Society (New Zealand) will ask the Government to make special provision for young seamen—first offenders—who desert their ships to avoid having them sent to gaol. At the annual meeting of the Society today, the Rev. Angus Ross (New Plymouth) said it was a problem which came up repeatedly. Prison officials had mentioned to him the possible damage to a young deserter’s character forced to consort with older men and “influences that were not in their best interest.”

Mr F. L. Harrison (Wellington): I think we should be careful what we do.. We might possibly antagonise both the police and the shipping companies. It was decided to arrange for legal representation for seamen and the appointment of honorary solicitors.

Mr W. Keetley (Lyttelton) said seamen requiring legal assistance could be saved trouble and grief if such a plan of legal advice wasi instituted.

Officers elected were: President, Mr T. F. M. Gibson (Christchurch), branch presidents, Sir Carrick Robertson, Sir James Fletcher (Auckland), Messrs H. Dean and L. G. Rimmer (Wellington), board of directors, Messrs E. O. E. Hill (New Plymouth). J. F. Amos (Auckland). F. Harrison (Wellington), W. C. Keetley (Lyttelton), and the Rev. L. Jenkins (Otago).