SEAMEN IN TROUBLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14260, 8 July 1908, Page 2

SEAMEN IN TROUBLE

A NIGHT ASHORE Three seamen named Joseph 'Pratten, ' John Ward, and John Belford appeared lieforo Mr H. Y: Widdowson, S.M., at the Police Court yesterday to answer charges . of drunkenness, creating a disturbance, and using obscenc language. Sub-inspector Norwood' stated that the ' men were employed on various vessels at present in port, and seemed to have chosen Monday night as the timo and Sis Theatre as the place to indulge • in a typical sailors' spree. They secured seats in the dress circle, and proceojed at onco to enjoy a heavy supper, consisting of a couplo of bottles of whisky, and apparently, unlimited bread and cheese. John Walter Oaten, usher at the theatre, said that the men wore muttering, and Ward was ejaculating "Ho! Ho!" and groaning. In answer to a question from. Sub-inspector Norwood, witness stated that the ejaculation was not required—at least from tho occupants of the circle seats.(Laughter.) Detective Ward,, who was in the dress circle at the time ,'of the disturbance, said he heard one of the trio call out " That's a lino tart," and anotlior agreed, avowing ' that she was a " shiner," whilst during an impressive part of the performance ouo of them yelled out "Hooray!" Pratten, who elected himself spnkes'iian, asserted that the only disturbance was the drawing of corks. "We were sitting there," he said, "like three girls with a bottle between us, and were enjoying ourselves. If the audience was will? it was because it was not getting any." Sub-inspector Norwood said that a young man who heard tho men use indecent ' language was unable to come before the Court, owing to a business engagement, and accordingly he would let the case rest as • it was. The Magistrate said that if the allegations of using indecent language had been proved, he would have dealt more severely with the accused. Disturbances liko the one in point had never been permitted in Dunedin theatres and would not be tolerated now. < For drunkenness each of the accused was fined 10a, •in default 48 hours' imprisonment, and for creating a disturbance Pratten and Belford were fined 40s each , and witness's costs (6s), in default brio month's imprisonment, and on tho latter charge Ward, who seemed to have indulged in lethargic, if noisy, slumber whilst his comrades waxed merry, was convicted and discharged. Pratten said that they had £4, and a.sked that one of them be allowed to go and ■ find the balance of the money. ■ Ward and Belford .wero enabled to pay their fines about midday, but Pratten was unable to do so.