SHIP DESERTER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21103, 1 August 1938, Page 11

SHIP DESERTER

LEFT STEAMER AT TIMARU Deserting from the steamer Trojan Star at Timaru on January 22, lan Ernest McKnight (24), came to Dunedin and accepted a position as a mechanic at a service station before he was arrested a few days ago (says the Dunedin “Star”). McKnight appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning. He was represented by Mr C. J. L. White, and was remanded by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., to allow further inquiries to be made. The facts were so unusual, said Mr White, that he made the suggestion that there be no conviction of McKnight. Last year he went to sea, signing on the Auretta here and going to England. There he signed off, as he had enough of a “life on the ocean wave.” But McKnight was stranded, and his only desire was to get back to New Zealand. The only method by which he could return was to sign 0.. again, so he Joined the Trojan St.'.r at London for the round trip. There was the catch, said Mr White. When the vessel reached Timaru the accu: id was so glad to get back that he did not even wait to collect his wages, hut deserted. He got employment in Dunedin in January. The ship had been to England and back to the Dominion since then. Because of the age of the accused and also the peculiar circumstances of the case, Mr White asked that there be no penalty. This was different from the ordinary desertion act. Sergeant Lean said that certain Information had to be received by the police from the Timaru agents for the vessel. McKnight was remanded till August 1 bail being allowed provided he reports twice weekly to thj police.