MAN ON SHIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 18

MAN ON SHIP

SEQUEL IN POLICE COURT 'DISMISSAL OF CHARGE "1 had no intention of going to sea in that boat when i went aboard," said Ernest Henry Biddle, labourer, aged 25, who pleaded not guilty in the Police Court, before Mr. F. H. Levien, S.M., yesterday, to a charge of secreting himself on the steamer Maimoa to go to sea without consent. Constable lielk said that at 3.30 p.m. the previous day the Maimoa sailed from Auckland for London. At 5.45 p.m. witness received a message and as a result he went to the vessel in Rangitoto channel where he was informed that after the ship sailed the accused was found asleep in a bunk in tho crew's quarters. Witness took charge of accused and placed him under arrest. He was under the influence of liquor, but not drunk. In a statement produced by witness accused said he went to the wharves the previous morning to seek work, but was not successful. Ho had a drink with some men in a hotel and later went to the crews quarters of tho Maimoa, where he had more liquor. He became drunk and went to sleep in a hunk The next thing he knew lie was being awakened by a ship's officer. He had no intention of stowing away.

The magistrate said the word secrete implied something more than going on board and being found drunk. Under the circumstances ho could not convict accused. Tho case was accordingly dismissed.