BRAWL ON SHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 227, 24 September 1940, Page 9

BRAWL ON SHIP.

GAOL FOR SEAMAN. MAN HIT WITH SPANNER. Arrested early laet Saturday morning following a brawl on an overseas ship lying at Prince's wharf, Patrick John Lydon (27), seaman, was brought before Mr. J. Morling, S.M., in the Police Court to-day, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Arthur Foster. Sub-Inspector Calwell said a dispute arose on the ship about 4 a.m. between some men who had been drinking all night. During the argument a brawl started, and Lydon picked up a heavy spanner and struck Foster on the head when he was not looking, inflicting a. scalp wound, which had to be stitched.

"Lydon says he acted in self-defence," added Mr. Calwell. "Foster sailed with the ship, which is now at a southern port. He is recovering, although he is not yet ready to start work. Lydon was under the influence of liquor at the time. Whatever punishment he receives, he should really leave with his ship when it sails from this country." A representative of the agents for the vessel told the magistrate that the master of the ship was not anxious to have Lydon back on board. However, it was a difficult matter to find another position for Lydon. "Foster is a big fellow, who used to be a professional boxer," Lydon told Mr. Morling. "He punched and kicked me and I took a hiding, but after that Foster and another man started on me and chased me into the engine room. I told them if they didn't leave me alone I would use something on them. Foster tackled me again when I ran out of the tunnel escape, so I had to hit him. If I was under the influence of liquor, then the others had plenty. I had been in my bunk all night. If I hadn't defended myself they would have put me in hospital." Mr. Morling: But you have no marks on you. They did not do anything to you? Sub-Inspector Calwell: There was a fight all right, sir.' Lydon had marks on him when he was. arrested. Lydon was sentenced to seven days , imprisonment, and was ordered to be placed on board his ship before it left , New Zealand.