A BROKEN PROMISE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19617, 22 October 1925, Page 15

A BROKEN PROMISE.

SEAMEN’S SECOND OFFENCE MONTH’S IMPRISONMENT IMPOSED. “Well, sir, you know, beggars can’t bo choosers,” said David Hewlett resignedly at the Police Court yesterday when asked by Mr Bartholomew why he had rejoined his ship if he did not intend to obey orders. Hewlett and another seaman were proceeded against by the master* and- owners of the s.e. Hororata and were charged with having wilfully disobeyed ' the commands of their superior officers. Edward Holland, captain of the vessel, stated that these men had been among those recently imprisoned at Lyttelton, and that they had been released and brought to Port Chalmers on their undertaking to resume duty on board. Their refusal of duty, continued the captain, was undoubtedly part of an organised attempt to create friction between the crew and the free labour now working the vessel, and to interfere with the boat’s sailing as far as they could. They had already been given several chances, and ho was not anxious to have them on board again till immediately before the ship’s departure for England. “The whole trouble was the ‘sub,’ ” interjected Hewlett. “I’ve often taken a, day off before, and been logged a day’s pay, but I never expected to be pulled up here.” The captain explained that accused had oome to him for an advance of 2s 6d, which, seeing that he had nothing to draw was refused. He and Tilley (the other accused) then remarked that they wore finished. “I only wanted half a crown—you know a man wants to have a look at the pictures after working hard all day,” said Hewlett with a hopeful look at the magistrate. “A man can’t expect to draw money when there is none to be drawn,” remarked Captain Holland. Mr Bartholomew said that he was convinced that there was more behind the men’s refusal to work than the mere refusal of a half-crown advance. “I give my solemn word of honour hero in this court that if the captain will take us back we’ll take the ship to sea,” protested accused earnestly. “And what do you say?” inquired the Magistrate turning to Tilley. “I want to get home out of this as quick as I can,” he replied promptly. “We don’t want to keep you here,” said Mr Bartholomew. “What I cannot understand is why, after being imprisoned for disobedience in Lyttelton, you deliberately commit the same offence on your release,” ho continued. “Well, you see, sir, we woke under orders from higher up the first time we struck, and this offence was committed only because I couldn’t get a ‘sub.’ ” pleaded Hewlett, “but I give my solemn word of honour to take the ship to sea if the captain will take us back. Beggars can’t be choosers, you know,” ho concluded. Captain Holland said that he did not want the men on board as long as the vessel was in New Zealand waters, as they only created dissension, and were-concerned in a system of indirect intimidation against the free labourers. “Excuse me, sir/* broke in accused, addressing the bench “I shall not excuse you. I have listened to you long enough. You listen to me now for a change,” retorted the Magistrate, who .went on to say that ho had no alternative, seeing that the captain thought it advisable not to have the men back, but to put them out of harm’s way for a “And what about my wife and children during the time I’m getting no money, asked Hewlett. , It was pointed out that, seeing he had worked only two days in the past six weeks, ho had had ample time for consideration of the position of his wife and children. “Well, I think it’s very unfair, commented Tilley in a grieved tone. “I would point out that some people might very well consider your actions unfair,” said Mr Bartholomew, as he sentenced each of the accused to one month s imprisonment. “Thank you very much, captain, and my wife will thank you too,” declared Howloit, as they left the dock.