FRACTIOUS FIREMAN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 205, 24 May 1919, Page 6

FRACTIOUS FIREMAN

TROUBLE ON THE MA OKI.

\ By Telegraph— Press Association,

Chrislchurch, May 23,

At the Lytlelton Magistrate's Court, Christopher Soddon, a iireman engaged on the Maori, iVas charged with continuously disobeying the lawful commands of (lie vessel's chief engineer on the voyage between Wellington and Lyttelton. Scddop pleaded not guilty. Evidence was given that accused went 011 duty, and after raking the fire and putting two shovelfuls of coal in the furnace - ceased work, subse<iuoiltly inform iiig the chief engineer that, he would do iio more work, and giving 110 reason for his nction. As a result it was foutiil necessary to continue the voyage under reduced sleani.

Accused sin ted lie burnt his leg, hence his refusal to work.

Thi! Magistrate staled that this was .1 serious breach of the Shipping and Seamen Act. in 1 hat" this cotfrse of conduct carried a little further might, under certain circumstances, cause' tremendous loss of life. plea regarding tho accident to his leg was clearly an .afterthought, and would rcceivc no consideration. The maximum penalty' for this, class of offence, twelve weeks' imprisonment. would be imposed.