PRESIDENT CHARGED WITH FIGHTING

Southland Times, Issue 23407, 14 January 1938, Page 5

PRESIDENT CHARGED WITH FIGHTING

DISPUTE WITH MEMBER OF SEAMEN’S UNION (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 13. “The evidence satisfies me that the action taken by Walsh was taken in an attempt to defend himself against unprovoked assault by the other man,” said Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M., in dismissing a case in which F. P. Walsh, aged 41, a union president, was charged with fighting with Leonard Cyril Ferguson. Mr Hay, for defendant, gave an explanation of the motive behind the incident. Walsh was president of the Seamen’s Union, he said, of which Ferguson was a member. At the time an inquiry by the union into the conduct of Ferguson was about to be held. Ferguson had been discharged from his ship at Newcastle and when being returned by the Awatea as a secondclass passenger was guilty of disgraceful conduct due to liquor. An official complaint had been made by the company and his conduct was of such a nature that the crew of the vessel had made out a (report asking for an inquiry. At the next stop-work meeting this report was read. Walsh did not allow a discussion, but allowed Ferguson to make a statement. On Christmas Eve Ferguson accosted Walsh and asked about the case. Walsh told him to come back on Tuesday, as Christmas Eve was not the time to discuss such matters. Ferguson became offensive and struck out and Walsh closed in self-defence. After the case had been dismissed an information laid by Walsh against Ferguson was withdrawn by leave of the Court.