Ship Deserters Refused Leave To Stay In N.Z.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30106, 15 April 1963, Page 10

Ship Deserters Refused Leave To Stay In N.Z.

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 13.

Questions about the incidence of ship desertion in Wellington were asked in the Magistrate's Court when Mr M B Scully. SM„ heard an application by Michael Jessett. aged 24. a driver, to remain in New Zealand

Cross-examined by Jessett’s counsel (Mr H Mitchell). Senior-Sergeant E M Grace, who is in charge of the wharf police, said that the incidence of desertion increased with the granting by courts of permission to remain in the country. “Where there is an increase in desertion, which is the trend at the moment, I think the deterrent should be spoiled.” he said. Senior-Sergeant Grace said that deserters from Commonwealth ships in Wellington in 1957 numbered 97 The figure was 91 m 1958. 51 in 1959 and 64 in 1960 In the last two years there ■ ere 87 and *> and so far this year there bad been 21 For the Shaw Savill and Albion Company, Ltd., Mr S G Lockhart said that it was necessary for ships to leave with full crews, and for this reason ship desertion must be discouraged Mr Mitchell submitted that there was a waiting list at the Seamen’s Union of men who -wanted to join British ships •nd there was no shortage of crews

Mr Mitchell said that his client, who deserted from the Ceramic on April 29 1961 did not do so just before she was due to sail The ship was not due to leave for some six weeks, which gave ample time for him to be replaced Jessett had worked hard in Njw Zealand His employer was his bondsman while he wm on bail and had put in an affidavit He married tn December and his wife was exnecting a baby “Tf he is deoorted there is every expectation that his wife will become a charge on the State in the meantime,” said Mr Mitchell

Refusing the application, the magistrate said that Jessett deserted deliberately and knew the consequences. He could find no special circumstances to allow him to remain in New Zealand The magistrate also refused a similar application by Kenneth Durkin, aged 24, a seaman. who deserted from the Port Montreal on November 7. 1961