A SAILOR'S WEDDING DAY

Evening Star, Issue 15540, 9 July 1914, Page 8

A SAILOR'S WEDDING DAY

CELEBRATING- THE OCCASION. An unusual story was told in the Magistrate's Court at Wellington yesterday. A seaman named John Johnston, employed on one of the coastal vessels, had made arrangements to marry, but he became very excited under the influence of drink, and could not keep his appointment. Instead he was locked up at Lamb ton quay, and spent the night in tho police cells. Yesterday morning he war, charged with drunkenness, resisting tho police, an-' damaging a constable's helmet and uniform.

Mr V. R- Meredith pleaded for him. He said hi.: client remembered nothing of the occurrence. He came off his ship, and when walking down the gangway dropped several £1 notes into the harbor. He was none too sober then, and the loss did not improve bis condition. He became very excited, and wanted to dive for his money, which in the meantime had been secured. He was still dissatisfied, and more anxious than over to take a dive into the harbor. He was not in the least vicious towards the constable. It was his wedding day, and he had taken more drink than was good for him. "

Inspector Hendry said the arrest occupied over half an hour. Before being taken into custody tho accused was given a chance to go quietly to his ship. Mr Riddelf, S.M., convicted and discharged Johnston for drunkenness, fined him £1 for resisting, in default seven days' imprisonment, and ordered him to make good the damage to the uniform. The latter item will run into £3 14s.