AN ARTICLED PASSENGER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9581, 29 June 1909, Page 3

AN ARTICLED PASSENGER.

iSEAMAN WHO WOULD NOT WORK

TWO MONTHS. Francis Clarke, an able seaman of the steamer Aotea. who had already won notoriety by his trial for disobedience in Wellington, came before the Lyttelton Police Court to-day. Messrs G. A. Lewin, J.P., and J. Garrard, J.P., were on the Bench. The accused was charged with having wilfully disobeyed lawful commands, with having continued to disobey lawful commands, and with having been absent without leave from the steamer on the previous day. v Mr H. J. Beswick appeared for the ship's officers. The accused pleaded guilty on each charge. Mr Beswick's explanation, of the circumstances was amplified by 'the statement of the chief officer of the Aotea. It. appeared that Clarke, who signed on in London, and who behaved pjoperly throughout the voyage, first broke the laws of the sea when leaving Picton for Wellington. The men were asked td clean the deoks after 8 a.m. on Sunday, and the aocueed refused. That work was not pressed, but it was necessary for the safety of the ship to send down the cargo derrick-, and he refused to do that work also. When before the Court at Wellington, the accused isaid he would not do any more work on board, and he had carried out his threat. On arrival in Lyttelton he was sent for, and was found to have gone ashore without leave. In reply to the Justices, the accused said he quite realised that he waa openly and intentionally defying the snip's officers and the law. He intended to do so, because he had been asked to > do- work that should not have been given to him. Mr Beßwick pointed ont that if tho accused w#s not sentenced to more than one month's imprisonment he would be su€ on board when the steamer sailed, he accused was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, and ordered to pay oo.ste.