POLICE COURT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 20 March 1912, Page 3

POLICE COURT.

MONDAY, MARCH 18TH.

On Sunday, Captain Proctor, of the Barque " Hazel Craig" discharging cargo at the Helensville Wharf, reported to Constable •Driscoll that one of his seamen had deserted from the ship. The seaman, whose name was Rafael Badia, a Spaniard by birth, put/the captain in an awkard position, inasmuch as he had not passed the required: educational test, viz., reading and writing, and by his escape in- New Zealand, Capt. Procter would have to pay to the Revenue the sum of £100.

It; appears the seaman was on board on Saturday evening but on Sunday morning he was missing. Throughout the day. Constable Driscoll could find'no trace of him, but on Monday morning as the 7.30 a.m. train was leaving Helensville South, the constable saw. his man and arrested him.

At 11 a.m. he was brought before Messrs Hammond and Fosbroke, J's P. "

Constable Driscoll. explained 'the facts of the case, which were corroborated by Capt. Procter who further stated that the offender begged him in Newcastle (N.S.W.) to give him work, and he, Badia, fully knew the captain's responsibilities, and if he had passed the required test, he (the Captain), would not have troubled about him.

Accused had nothing to say and was willing to go back on board his boat. The Bench convicted accused, and ordered the police to place him on board his boat, also to pay costs of prosecution, 7s,