REFUSED TO WORK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 837, 4 December 1929, Page 11

REFUSED TO WORK

SEAMAN IN COURT RHEUMATISM BLAMED Since the vessel left Colon, Samuel Murray, a fireman on the Port Darwin, has steadfastly refused to work. He told Mr. F. K. Hunt. S.M.. in the Police Court this afternoon that he was frightened of making his rheumatism worse if he did any work. Murray, aged 60. was charged with continually and wilfully disobeying the lawful commands of the captain of the Port Darwin between November 12 and 30, on the run from Panama to Auckland. “I am guilty in one way and not in another,” said accused. “I was not able to work and I am far from right yet.” Captain Sawbrldge. of the vessel, produced medical certificates given by Drs. Robertson and Russell, of Auckland, that Murray was able tc do light work. There was a similar certificate from a doctor at Colon. The captain said Murray would give no reason for refusing to work. He had shipped at Newcastle, England, and did only light work crossing the Atlantic to New York. At Colon, his mate had been put ashore to be treated for neuritis at a hospital. As soon as accused heard that, he refused to work and demanded to be paid off. He was told that he could not be paid off at a foreign port except under a medical certificate. Murray explained that he could not wor kowing to rheumatism, which was the result of sleeping on a wet bunk on the ship. Mr. Hunt: But an old woman of SO could polish brass. Accused: I know’ my own feelings better than anyone else. Murray was remanded for sentence until tomorrow’, and he is to be interviewed by the shipping office in the meantime.