THE WILLIAM TAPSCOTT CASE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 247, 14 October 1873, Page 2

THE WILLIAM TAPSCOTT CASE.

The Post of Saturday last reports the proceedings in Court wheu several of the men belonging to this notorious ship attended to make a formal complaint, against Captain Fii on. The following is an extract from the report : — Gardiner Curtis,-, on being called on, , stated that he ha;! not signed articles, and that he had been detained on board against his will.. He hnd only come up from Otago as an extra man, iv case Captain Fiinu wanted him. The ship's articles being produced, and Curtis' name not being on the list, His Worship said it was clear that the man must ho discharged. Captain Flinn— But I paid £2 for hia pnssage, how p.m I to get that back ? (Roar 3 of laughter). bis Worship— You can take out a summons for the amount. (Renewed laughter) Captaio Flinn — Can't I keep him until he haa woikad it out? His Worship-Certainly not. (Laughter)" Mr MMnivn — Will your Worship order him to po on board and work it out? Mis Woi ship — I have no power to do anything of ihe kind. Has he no clothing or other chattels on board? Captain Flinn — No,' your Worship, none. How am Ito get that £2 out of him? Mr Moo'-'.ou:-:e — Pump it out. Eoars of laughter). Captain Flinn — The ship does not want any pumping. (Renewed l.tughter). Mr Moor house — Then you had better commence an action in the Supreme Court. (Laughter). Curtis was then informed that ho was discharged. Charles Roach lastly was called on, and stated that lie bad shipped on board the Haieione, that he got drunk, and on becoming sober found himself on board the William Tapscott. He had no notion how he got there: he had never signed articles for the Tapscott to his knowledge. Captain Flint) said he could prove the man was net drunk when he shipped. His Worship then asked Captain Bishop, who was in Court, whether he claimed the man. Captain Bishop answered in the affirmative, and produced the Halcione's articles in proof. Inspector Atchisoa — Then you had better charge him with desertion. Captnin Bishop accordingly laid a formal in formal ion. The defendant pleaded guilty. Hi? Worship sentenced him to four weeks' imprisonment with hird labor. This disposed of (he case for to-day, that of the other three men being adjourned to Monday. They were in the meantime ordered to be sent on board. As Captaiu Flinn and Mr M'lntyro left the Court, " three groans" were called for, and f_iven with the greatest vigor and goodwill by the crowd outside.