COURT NEWS

Grey River Argus, 10 September 1940, Page 10

COURT NEWS

Seamen Fined FAILED TO OBEY ORDERS. AUCKLAND, September 6. Two seamen from an overseas ship, John Dale, 26, and William Dwyer, 21, pleaded guilty in the Police Court to a charge that, while on the high seas between Bluff and Wellington, they wilfully disboeyed a lawful command. The prosecutor said that both men were Tate in coming aboard before th e ship sailed from, Bluff about midnight, and, when th e mate ordered the crew who were off watch to finish clearing up the ship, they refused to turn out. Dale told the officer that, if he did not clear out, he would “beat him out.” Counsel for the defence (Mr Holmden) said that the men were dogtired, through long hours of woik. Both had good characters. Mr Levien, S.M., said that this appeared to be the first case of its kind since the war. He fined each man £5. FINNISH DESERTER. AUCKLAND, September 6. A Finnish seaman, Ture Ahlgren, who yesterday denied a charge of desertion, was again before th* Court. . , The Vice-Consul for Finland. Mr C. Tudehope, said he had been unable to find anyone prepared to take Ahlgren into his home until he could be placed aboard a ship. The shipping company representative said it was probable that Ahlgren could b e sent away shortly to join his own ship. Mr Stout, S.M., said he did not wish to keep him in prison, but until surety of some sort was found, he would not be justified in allowing him his liberty. The case was adjourned until Tuesday next INDECENT ACT. INVERCARGILL, September 6 Before Mr Abernethy, S.M., in the Bluff Court. James Bradshaw, married, works employee, of Invercargill, who was charged with committing a grossly-indecent act, was sent to gaol for six months’ hard labour. Security for appeal was fixed at £lO 10s GAMING FINE. HAMILTON, September 5.

After a police raid on premises in Hamilton, 29 men faced charges under the Gaming Act in the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court to-day. Th e . police, who watched the premises, told of two-up and dice games operated at a club, and of a raid on the night of Friday last, when they had to smash down the doors to gam admission. James Arthur Frost, the occupier cf the premises, and John Sherard Rawson, who was charged with assisting in conducting a gaming house pleaded guilty and were fined £25 each. Twenty-seven men of varying occupations who were found on the premises, were each fined £2 and costs.