COURT-MARTIAL

Southland Times, Issue 21822, 27 September 1932, Page 6

COURT-MARTIAL

NAVAL PROCEEDINGS PETTY OFFICER ON TRIAL LENGTHY HEARING ANTICIPATED (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, September 26. A court-martial was held at the Devonport Naval Depot to-day, Petty Officer Samuel George Adams, Supply Petty Officer of H.M.S. Laburnum, being charged with improperly leaving his ship at Wellington on May 15 and also (1) between January 1 and May 13, 1932, negligently performing his duty by failing to keep his books properly; (2) between November 2, 1931, and May 13, 1932, negligently performing his duty by failing to hand over to the Supply Officer £l7 11/10, part of a sum of £lOB 10/11 received by him for clothing and stores; (3) fraudulently converting £l7 11/10. Accused was represented by a civilian counsel, while the President of the Court was Captain M. J. C. de Meric.

The Judge Advocate, PaymasterCommander Durman, read a letter from Commander Ramsbottom of H.M.S. Laburnum. Outlining the case he said it had been found that there was a net deficiency of £69 in the stores and from accounts received from an hotel it appeared that Adams had been living in a manner which he could not afford. Counsel for accused objected to the latter statement but the Court admitted it.

Evidence was given by SurgeonLieutenant Burdon that he examined the accused on May 15 last and found him suffering from acute neurasthenia largely caused by excessive alcohol. Chief Petty Officer Abbott said that when he brought the accused back on beard he admitted having left his ship but said he did not know how he had got ashore. He said: “I suppose I shall have to go under the hammer now.” Evidence regarding the accounts of the Laburnum was then taken. There are over 100 witnesses and the proceedings may last several days. Accused pleads not guilty to all charges.