ALLEGED DISOBEDIENCE AT SEA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16664, 8 April 1916, Page 13

ALLEGED DISOBEDIENCE AT SEA.

jflTftTOlA SEAMEN DISCHARGED

THE CASES WITHDRAWN.

In the Polico Cteuxt at Port Chalmers yesterday morning, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., H. Shaw and E. d'Anglado were each charged with disobeflience to the lawful commands of Captain Stenbouse, master of tiie Aurora, while that vessel was on the high seas between Antarctica and Port Chalmers. The case aroused a great deal of interest, and the court was crowded. Mr Irwin appeared for the accused. Mr Hanlon, who appeared to conduct the prosecution on behalf of the ship's .captain, stated that the offence with which the aooused was chargod took placo at a very critical time, when every man on the ship was required to do his utmost to help the officers to navigate the vessel into safety. The conduct ol' the two accused undor these circumstances was very unfair, but was not so serious in the case of d'Anglado, who was merely a steward. On reaching port, the captain had felt it hia duty to institute these proceedings. Mr Irwin had then made certain representations, as a result of which Shaw had been examined by two mcdioal men, who had given a certificate regarding his st'.u;.. of mind that •would make the present proceedings look like persecution if the case were gone on with. In regard to d'Anglado, who was of French extraction, a prosecution did not appear altogether seemly, and the captain was also willing to overlook his offence. Counsel asked that both ohargoe should be withdrawn. Mr Irwin remarked that both the accused appreciated their position, and were sensible of the oonsideration that was being extended to them. The court acquiesced in the request, and the cases were accordingly withdrawn.