DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT OF A CAPTAIN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1649, 20 October 1887, Page 3

DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT OF A CAPTAIN.

Pkkth(W.A.), Oct. 10. A curioiu case has been tried at Roebourne, in which Captiia Oleavslsnd, of the Fanny Thornton, ttui sentenced to two months' imprisonment for assault. The Fanny Thomtoo was bound for Fraroantle from Auckland, Oa her way she picked up the crew of the Florida off Brouse Island. Captain Cleaveland, it appeared, was living in the same house at Auckland as the boatswain of the Fanny Thornton, and ao improper relation, it was alleged, had existed between the captain and the boatswain's wife. During the voyage, despite the bostswain's remonstrance, the captain gave bis cabin to the boatswain's wife, and occupied it himself also. The boatswain was ordered by the csptain to clean up the cabin, and perform ether menial offioei. He also repeatedly threatened the boatswain, who demanded to have his wife, bit was refused. The captain went inco his cabin, got a life preserver, and hit the boatswain twice over the head. He was raiding the weapon for another blow, which would in all probability have killed the boatswain, but was prevented by his own mate and the captain of the Florids. The evidence was longthy, and wenf to prove disgraceful conduct by Captain Cleavelspd and the woman, who was a consenting party. She had two children on board, who were said to have been shamefully treated, and one of whom died at Oossnck. Cleaveland is apparently over sixty years old. He is well, known in New Zealand, both in Auckland and Otago.