CARGO PILLAGERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12571, 7 March 1919, Page 6

CARGO PILLAGERS.

SAILORS CONVICTED. [Her Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 7. Seven members of the crew of the American sailing ship Tonowanda were charged to-day with disobeying orders and theft. Recently seven other members of tbo..crow were, arrested : on charges of pillaging cargo, so that'the whole of the crew-just, now are in trouble. For the prosecution it was alleged that this men deliberately set themselves out to cause annoyance. Four of tlie men charged with disobeying orders were let off, owing to. lack of essential evidence.. They said that there had been a dispute about wages and ’Aveo had gone ashore to sec tho American Consul, although . the captain had remarked that there was no heed to do so. The four who remained on hoard said that the boatswain had not asked them to'- turn to. He had said, “I reckon if you hand me a dollar I’ll buy a beer. I’m thirsty.” The chief officer stated that both the second mate and the ihoaotswain had said that the men refused to turn to, hut neither the second officer nor the boatswain gave evidence; It was alleged that the men brought considerable quantities of limior aboard, fifteen cases of empty bottles being found on the ship on Wednesday. The Magistrate agreed to the charges being withdrawn. The seven members of the crew who had pleaded guilty to cargo pillaging came up for sentence. As they were wanted to man the ship in a few days the Magistrate broke his rule to send pillagers to ggol and fined three of the men £2O, or three months’ imprisonment. and the others £lO, or six weeks’ imprisonment.