STRANGE CASE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 54, 12 September 1928, Page 13

STRANGE CASE

SEAMAN BY COMPULSION DESERTION CHARGE DISMISSED (By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post,") AUCKLAND, This Day. When Otto Schnell, described as a seaman, was brought beforo the Police Court yesterday, charged with deserting from the steamer Kersten Miles, ChiefDetective Hammond said that he had n, evidence to offer. A warrant had been issued in January last. Counsel said that in fairness he thought the position should be made clear. Schnell had resided in Mexico, just across the border, and was employed oil a Mexican far . He had gone across the border to make a few purchases in the United States and had been arrested. Without being brought before a Court he had been placed in gaol, and remained there for three weeks. Then the ship Kersten MiSes arrived, and without any beg pardons c explanations Schnell was clapped on board tho ship. He was never a member of the crow, and when the ship reached New Zealand he walked ashore. The captain had afterwards taken out a warrant for his arrest, but Schnell was never one of the crew. The Jewish Social Society had interested itself in the case, and had placed the position before the Government, and a permit of permanency to reside iv the Dominion had been granted. The ease was dismissed.