Magistrate’s Criticism of Deserting Seamen

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1947, Page 2

Magistrate’s Criticism of Deserting Seamen

P.A. WELLINGTON, May 20. A criticism of the action of seamen who deserted their ships in New Zealand was made n the Magisstrate’s Court to-day by Mr Stou., S.M. Six British seamen appeared before him on charges of ship deseN I ion "These men must all know the consequences of ship desertion, and they are prepared to accept the penal y of a month’s imprisonment,” he • a.d. The men had left their ships short-handed, and difficulty was oilen experienced in obtaining replacements. said the Magistrate. They did not consider their mates, who were left on the ship. The departure of the vessels was often held up through ship desertion, including ships carrying food to Britain, until replacements could be found. Five seamen, who pleaded guilty (o charges of desertion, were each onvicted and sentenced to a month’s imprisonment. The sixth seaman was remanded to appear in Court on Frida v.