SHIPS’ STORES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20111, 2 April 1928, Page 3

SHIPS’ STORES

PRIVILEGES OF SEAMEN FIREMAN TAUGHT A LESSON. [ Per Press Associatfon. ] WELLINGTON, March 31. The privileges of seamen -with regard to the use of ship’s scores was defined by Mr E. Page in the Magistrate’s Court to-day when John Joseph McMahon, a fireman on the Manuka, was charged ith the theft of a tin of condensed milk and a tin of tea valued at 5s 6d, the property of the Union Steam Ship Company. , A constable stated that ho accosted accused and another fireman, John Patrick Kelly, on the waterfront last evening. McMahon was carrying milk and tea and said they were surplus stores which he was giving to Kelly, who was on the Tort Hunter, and who could not got any milk or tea on tho ship. Sub-Inspector Lander said that it was laid down that ship’s stores, although unconsumed, were still the property of tho ship. “This constitutes theft,” said tho Magistrate to defendant, who had pleaded not guilty. “The stores are issued for your consumption and arc not to be taken away. This is a little different from a case of pillaging, and I propose to fine you £2.” The Sub-Inspector asked for the withdrawal of the charge against Kelly, of receiving property, knowing it to have boon stolen, as the Port Hunter had that morning sailed for England and Kelly had been placed on board. The application was granted.