DESERTED SHIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 16

DESERTED SHIP

YOUNG IRISH SEAMAN FELL IN LOVE WITH GIRL TERM OF IMPRISONMENT A young Irishman who was stated to have deserted from the motor-ship Sydney Star because he had fallen in love with a New Zealand girl, appeared before Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday. Hp iu a 23-year-old seaman, John Quinn, of Belfast, and he pleaded guilty to a charge of desertion. Senior-Sergeant Flanagan said the Sydney Star arrived at Auckland on March 18, and when she left for Lyttelton accused was absent. Later he was arrested while working on a trawler, Mr. Aekins, who appeared for accused, said he had signed on the ship in London on Christmas 12ve. "He loft at Auckland because he had fallen in love with a New Zealand girl," counsel added. "Ho has become engaged and wants to marry her." Mr. Aekins said Quinn was a man of good character, and had £2O in wages owing to him. He suggested that in view of his good record this money should bo forfeited. The Magistrate: His wages will bo forfeited in any case. His companion who deserted received a short sentence of imprisonment. "Ten men deserted from this particular ship in Australia and New Zealand as a result of a dispute with the mate, but that was not tho case with Quinn," said Mr. Aekins. "He became infatuated with this |girl, and _ has every intention of marrying her." A representative of tho shipping company said they did not want Quinn back. 33e was one of four men who had deserted from tho ship. There was too much desertion. Mr. Aekins asked if the magistrate would consider fining accused. The magistrate said he could not treat accused in a different way from his companion, and would not consider fining him. Accused was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment and Ins wages were ordered to be forfeited.