AMERICAN DESERTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19142, 7 October 1925, Page 13

AMERICAN DESERTERS.

BEFRIENDED AT WELLINGTON CABARET MUSICAL CONTRACT. ONE SUED FOR A BREACH. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The story of how seven American naval sailors ran awav from their ships in ordato seek their fortunes in Wellington was disclosed in the Magistrate's Court today when Molly Campbell, proprietress of the Ambassador Cabaret, sued S. I» Millar. a former member of the Oklahoma's crew, for £SO on the grounds of a breach of contract. The Americans are still working in the orchestra at the cabarot. Mrs. Campbell, giving evidence, said she employed the men to play in her orchestra on August 29, five days after the fleet left on its homeward voyage. Lite American Consul had communicated with her to the effect that so long as the former sailors behaved themselves as decent citizens the United States authorities would take no steps toward haying them returned. She had also been in touch with a member of the Government and he gav# an undertaking that if the men acted in accordance with our laws no steps woulA be taken to remove ..hem, though this, of course, rested with the United States Government. On September 4 a contract was signed between her and Millar to the effect that he would play with her orchestra. He had broken that contract, clearing away with Williamson's "Kid Boots " company, and was now with th<* orchestra which played in the show at Christchurch. Mr. Perry, for plaintiff, said the men were from trie United State Navy. Mrs. Campbell hs.d been very good to them. They were being paid a good salary, and there was no excuse for Millar having cleared out. Mr. Johnson, for defendant, contended that as the men were deserters from thn fleet they had no right to sign a contract, It was an illegal document. Besides, Millar was under age at the time of signing, and such an agreement held in no Court of Law. Mr. Perry said defendant knew what he was doing when the contract was signed. He had no complaints. Although only making the agreement on September 4. Millar rushed off with the "Kid Boots" company, and did nol stop to think of the others. The case was adjourned for Millar to give evidenca.