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Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 961, 20 November 1882, Page 2

A singular application was made to the Auckland Police Magistrate recently by an intelligent-looking young man, who stated that he was cook of the ship Loch Awe. He explained (says the W. A. Herald) that (lie captain kept a very ferocious dog on board. This animal had bitten him through the arm some time ago, and had attacked him on several occasions. The captain would not destroy the dog, as he valued him very highly. The applicant now asked that either the dog should be destroyed, or that he should be paid off hero. The captain had wages belonging to him. Mr Hesketh, who appeared to have some knowledge of the facts, having been consulted by the applicant, explained as amiom curia;, that the applicant had £25 wages coming to him, He did not wish to draw that, nor had he any desire to break the law, but would return to the ship provided the dog was either destroyed or chained up. The man had no wish to break the law or refuse to do his duty, but -if the dog was retained he would then take his stand on that, and refuse duty, assigning that as a reason. The Bench asked what power they had to interfere in the matter, to which Mr Hesketh replied that what the man sought was advice. The Bench promised that Captain Nicholson would be seen and the facts of the case ascertained.