The Stabbing Affray.

Manawatu Herald, 7 September 1899, Page 3

The Stabbing Affray.

On Monday the charge against Hatsakia, the boatswain of the Tolosa, was partially heard, that of attempted murder of Frederick Jones, Thomas Newberry and Joseph Sanders. James Gc don, the chief officer, deposed accused had been on the ship two years arid was a quiet, inoffensive, sober, and industrious man. As far as h«» could judge all he did was in self-defence. Tne master of the steamer also gave accused a good character. The other witnesses merely amplified the particulars of the fight for which it was said the man Grant was the cause of. The case was adjourned to Friday. Thomas Grant, charged with assaultIng W. S. Eggington was also remanded to the same day. On John Dixon appearing to answer to the charge of wilfully disobeying the commands of the chief officer of the s.s. Tolosa. He pleaded guilty, and said that he had been half starved since he left New York, and he would rather be imprisoned than go on board again. Mr Haselden explained that even if he were imprisoned he would have to return to his ship afterwards. Dixon was, however, obdurate, and said that even if he had to go on board he would do no work. The Magistrate ordered him «to for- , felt two days' pay, and advised him to carry his grievance before the Collector of Customs at Lyttelton. George Barrett Evans, who appeared on a; similar charge, also pleaded guilty and made a somewhat similar statement to Dixon, adding that the captain did not treat him with civility. The Magistrate fined him two days' pay also, and likewise advised him to take his grievances to the Collector of Customs at Lyttelton. During the day informations were sworn against the three men in the hospital charging them with assaulting Constantine Hatzakis with intent to wound,