FIREMAN IN COURT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 124, 27 May 1919, Page 7

FIREMAN IN COURT

TROUBLE oLjHE MAORI,

(United Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, May 23,

At the Lyttelton Magistrate’s Court, Christopher Seddon, a fireman engaged on the Ate ori, was charged with continuously disobeying the lawful coxnmaml ft of the vessel’s chief engineer on the voyage between Wellington and Lyttelton. Seddon pleaded not guilty. Evidence was given that accused went on duty, and after raking the fire and putting two shovelfuls of coal in the furnace ceased work, subsequently informing the chief engineer that he would do no more work, and giving no reason for his action. As a result it was; found necessary to continue the voyage under reduced steam. Accused, stated he burnt his leg, hence his refusal to work. The Magistrate stilted that this was a serious breach of the Shipp'ng and Seamen’s Act, in. that thip course of conduct carried; a little further might, under certain circumstances, cause tremendous loss of life. Accused’s plea regarding the accident to his leg was clearly an afterthought, and would receive no consideration. The maximum' ipelhallty for this class of offence, twelve weeks’ imprisonment, would be imposed.