OPAWA'S FIREMEN IN COURT

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1921, 2 December 1913, Page 6

OPAWA'S FIREMEN IN COURT

FIFTEEN MEN CHARGED, PUT ON SHIP BUT SENT BACK; Tlio trouble caused by the Opawa's firemen camo lip in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. It was known on Sunday that tho police were looking for the men who had absented themselves from the vessel, and at about half-past eight yesterday morning fifteen gave themselves up "at tlio Lambton Quay Police Station. Yesterday the following wero charged with having unlawfully absented themselves from "the steamer:—William C. Tilley, Harry Horn, John Hanmore, Edward Sullivan, James Mulholland, Anton Sclmltzs, Axel Ilcrtig, William Wilkins, James Barnard, John Barton, Harry Tothain, James Chadwick,. Alfred Stevens, David Cook, and Albert Butler. Tim men, who all pleaded guilty, were represented by Mr. J. F. W. Dickson. * "Mr. 11. S. Evans represented tho New Zealand Shipping Company.

Ship Them Out At. Sea? Mr. Evans stated that the men liad been engaged for tho round trip, and that, by leaving tlio vessel in Wellington had broken their agreement. The Opawa's captain had interviewed tho men since, and they had told hirn that if they wero placed 011 board again they would refuso to work. They gi'ivo as their reason for this attitude tho fact, that what they termed "scab" cargo was in tho steamer's holds. The company would consent to the Court's convicting tho defendants and ordering them to appear for senteiico when called 011, 011 the understanding that, on their being placed on board they would turn to. If they did not do their duty their position was serious. Tho vessel would be moved out of tlio harbour, and if tho men refused dutv they would be 'brought straight back and would bo guilty of disobedience on the high seas, an offence for which they wero liable for terms of imprisonment up to twelve months. Tho Magistrate said that ho did not propose to follow Mr. Evans's suggestion. Mr. Dickson told the Court that the men had informed him that they did not intend to go back to the ship. If sent back they would lie put on board against their will, and they practically preferred that tho Court should anticipate their action and deal with them right away.' Fourteen Back in Custody, 'The Magistrate remarked that iho 111011 knew the penalty of disobedicnco 011 the high seas. Ho would convict them and would sentence each to fourteen days' imprisonment,' at the same time making an order that they should bo placed 011 the vessel should'it leav--port beforo the expiry of tho term of sentcncc.. Later in the day tho nien were put on board and tho vessel sailed, but, (luring tlio afternoon, fourteen of tho firemen wero returned, and are now in custody. They will appear in Court, this morning.

WHAT ARE "SHRABS."

DEFENCE THAT DID NOT SAVE. Arthur Leonard was charged with having used tho following insulting language in Waterloo Quay: "You are an uneducated lot of ■ —- 'scab.'!.' " He pleaded not guilty. It was stated lnwilnessos for the prosecution that Leonard bad held an argument with some special constables, ami . in the courso of it .disked whether they had read certain books. They replied in tho negative, and he then used tho words complained of. Leonard said that he did not cui! tho "succials" •"scalis'U .trhl ho sao4 was.

"slwabs." When questioned by tlio Magistrate lio admitted that "slirabs" was a word which lio had invented. lie (lid not know what it might mean. He was fined £3, in default fourteen, (lavs' imprisonment. Seal Again in Court. Robert James Christopher Seal, who was at the timo on remand respecting a chargo of having damaged' a wharf barrieado on October !ij, appeared charged with having taken part, ill a, riot on King's Wharf on tlio same date. He was remanded til! December 8, and bail (£100) was allowed 1 . The Banned Wercl. W-illiain John Compton was remanded till December S on a chargo of having used insulting language (''scab'') in Thoriidon Quay.