A FRACAS ON THE S.S. MORAYSHIRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9715, 18 April 1893, Page 6 (Supplement)

A FRACAS ON THE S.S. MORAYSHIRE.

TiMAnu, March 28,

This afternoon three justices inquired into the fracas which occurred on the Hhire liner Morayshiro at Oamaru on Monday night. Seven firemen aud grousers were charged with refusing duty, aud five of them with various assaults on Captain Millar, three officers, aud a saloon passenger (a youth). The men had some grievance about their accommodation, mide a complaint to the captain, and thought they were cavalierly treated. On Monday they refused to turn to, went ashore without leave, and complained to the inspector of police, who sent the collector of customs to see tho men's quarters. The captain admitted that tho collector said the quarters were close and dirty, but he (Cautain Millar) said it wbs the men's duty to keep them clean. Tho men told their counsel the collector had said the forecastle was not fit for pigs to live in. At night the men returned to the vessel and demanded redress, and getting no promise committed the assaults, which it was admitted were not serious. No damage was done, though one man had a belaying pin, and another a knife out. The court sentenced the two ringleaders to four months' hard labour, and the rest were discharged, but forfeit six days' pay and costs, which come to 18s each. The worst personal assault was not specially dealt with. It appears three or four men were put on at Oamaru in place of the strikers, and were so intimidated that they dare not work. One man who went to work was knocked down and had his face cut by having a bag of ashes dropped on him, and when he went up to report it he received a severe blow on tho eye on showing his head above the hatch.