FRACAS ON "MANUREWA."

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14339, 8 July 1914, Page 7

FRACAS ON "MANUREWA."

GRIEF OFFICER ASSAULTED BY COOK. ASSAILANT SENTENCED TO TWO MONTHS. A sudden break in the peaceful monotony of the life on a ship in p-Sft occurred yesterday on the barque Mannrewa, which is lying at the town wharf, when a fracas occurred between the chief mate and the cook which ended in' the former receiving a severe blow on , the mad from a steel bar. the cook being ar-•pv‘-->d for assault. The sequel took place at the Court this morning, when the cook. James McGinn, was charged with assaulting the chief officer bv sinking him over the head whh a steel bar. From tlm evidence given this morning it appeared that the officers were entertaining a friend a lunch on board he vessel whan the cook cb'ceted to waiting noon the friend; He declared with emphasis that he would serve the captain a”d the offmers. but objected to serving “hums.” The chief officer as well as thn second remonstrated with him. The cook went forward, but returned a few minutes later with a tomahawk, with which to enforce his clpectinn. This dange r ous weapon the chief suceceded in taking awav from the enraged cook, who, not to ho on-dorm, returned forward and obtained a steel bar about Hire" l feet long; two indies wide, and half an ind’ thick, -i-irl witH this struck the chief officer, a ' iolent blow over the head, exposing the hone. The cook was secured, and the wounded man had to seek inoddal assistance. and had four stitches inserted in the wound. The cook declared that be was not the first to strike and accused the first ami second officers of n-'sbnndliiig him. adding that he had marks to prove his statement.

In sentencing eecn=ed to two nynths’ "norisonment io Wo'Hvgton gaol, Mr W. Kerr, 8.M.. declared that, it was a murderous assault and the aroused was lucky in not ha’-iug to nonpar n;i a etniPnl charge. His conduct was qudc unwarranted. and his rase rould not h< treated as nn!) to be dealt with bv a lire. He would he romirted and sent to Wellington gaol for two mouths.