PUSHED OFF THE DUCHESS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 134, 23 February 1918, Page 8

PUSHED OFF THE DUCHESS

A FERRY STEAMER AFFAIR

Ou January 20, when the ferry steamer JJuchcas was on her way to Day's Bay, an altercation occurred between John Gower, a deck-hand, and John Birkett, formerly employed m the ferry service, but,on the day in question a passenger on the Duchess. Yesterday, in the Magistrate's Court, before Mr. 8. E. M'Carthy, S.M., the matter was ventilated, when Birkett was charged with, assaulting Gower. Complainant, in his evidence, stated that lie overheard defendant making some 'disparaging remarks about him, and as the steamer came alongside the wharf, Gower warned Birkett to pass no mors remarks of the kind. Birkett objected to this, and gave the complainant, _ who was standing on a seat bv tho side of the boat, a push, with tnc result that be fell over the side of the vessel and landed on the whaTf. Fortunately he fell on his feet, although the drop was about eight feet. Birkett, for whom Mr. H. F. O'Leary appeared, said that Gower had used insulting remarks, and, further, that lie was attempting to strike defendant when he was prtshed over the side. _ 'Ihe Magistrate held that the weight of evidence showed that Birkett had a down on Gower, and that the assault was unprovoked. Birkett' was fined £2 and costs 375., in default a month's imprisonment. Defendant was allowed a fortnight to find the money.