MAGISTERIAL

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13489, 10 January 1908, Page 6

MAGISTERIAL

TIMARU—JANUARY 10th, 1903.

(Before Messrs D. .Stuart and P. Smith, .1.1'.'5.) 1) RUNK K N X ESS. A first, offender pleaded guilty to beiDg drunk in Stafford Street- on Wednesday. He was convicted, ordered to pay 2,s cab hire, and instrm.t-ed 1o leave the town immediately. SHIPPING AND SEAMEN'S ACT. Peter Johar.een pleaded guilty to wilful disobedience on the high seas on January Bth, having, while on the way from Lvt-tc-ltnn to Timaru, left his post as lookout man while on duty. Sub-Inspector Green said that the captain did not wish to press for ;i heavy penalty but wished a warning to I>6 given to prevent others doinij the same.

Mr Mclntyre, second officer of the Rakanoa, stated that defendant was supposed to be on duty from 1 to 3 a.m. At 1.45 a.m. he was not in his place and was subsequently found down in the forecastle. Witness had no complaint to make regarding defendant's ordinary work. On the night the offence was committed it was dark and misty, and a good deal of risk had been run by defendant leaving his post. Defendant stated he was not away for more than one minute.

The Bench pointed out the seriousness of a look-out man leaving his post at night. Defendant was liable to a penalty of £2O or a month's imprisonment, but as this case was- brought more as a warning to others he would be convicted 1 and discharged on condition that- he paid the costs.