FIGHT ON A SHIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 17

FIGHT ON A SHIP

GAOL FOR SEAMAN QUARTERMASTER STRUCK Charged with assaulting the quartermaster, Duncan Doull, on board the steamer Port Bowen, a seaman, Peter McCormick, aged 28, appeared before Mr. Wyvcrn Wilson, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday. Accused, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded not guilty. In evidence, Doull said that on February 11, he was on duty at the top of the gangway of the Port Bowen. He had instructions not to permit any strangers on board. When he stopped one stranger who was about to board the ship and asked him his business, McCormick came forward and told him he had no right, to prevent anyone s going aboard. With that, McCormick struck witness a blow in the mouth, knocking him to the deck. itness retaliated, and later reported the matter. The accused had had some drink at the time. „ ~ William Wright, a fireman on the Port Bowen, said that McCormick had a few drinks in him when he came on board. He struck Doull when the latter refused to allow a stranger on boaid. _ _ , Sub-Inspector Fox: Do you get on with accused at all? "No look at my face. He did that in Melbourne. I had eight stitches in it," said Wright, as he turned his leirt cheek to the magistrate and pointed to a long scar on his face. Sub-Inspector Fox: How did he do that?— With a razor. The master of the Bowen, Arthur Hugh Brown, said that he ha.d interviewed the accused after the affair on hoard. McCormick had said then that he would start a fight, but next time it would be a proper one. Witness had no complaints to make regardinc accused's behaviour while at sea. In giving evidence, McCormick said that drink was his trouble and he was not in his right state of mind when the ficht occurred. This was the first time be had got into trouble with the police He denied that he was charged with the offence of cutting Wrights face with a razor. . Mr Allan Moody, representing the owners, master and agent of the Port Bowen, said that accused was not wanted back on board the ship. McCormick was sentenceu to two months' imprisonment.