MAGISTRATES COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 160, 4 July 1878, Page 2

MAGISTRATES COURT.

THIS DAY. [Before H. E. Cortis, and J. Sclanders, Esqs., J.J.P.] Thomas Culhane, Collin Francis Post, George Go3bee,and Henry Clinch, ali A.B. seamen on board the barque Kentish Tar were charged with continued wilful dis°°s£ence *• lawf «1 commands. _,J^ d | fe 5 d l n u tß all P ,eaded nofc B°%* and were defended by Mr Bnnny.

Captain Pottinger in his evidence stated that on the Ist July the men refused to work, giving as a reason that the ship was not properly manned. The four defendants were the only A.B.s on board. There were some apprentices nearly out of their time. Cross-examined: Might have stated during the voyage that there was not enough 'men on board. Was of opinion that she* was short handed. He would not swear that the deck was not left sometimes with only the man afc the wheel, the " look out " and mate helping in the rigging. This was his first voyage. He had not ndade atijr entry df the defendants refusal to work iv the log, a3 he did not consider ifc necessary. Mr Bunny, for the defendants, contended that uo wilful disobedience bad been proved; in fact, the captain' 3 owu evidence showed this, as he had made no entry in the official log. He asked their Worships, before dismissing the case, to hear his clients, as he thought he could show sufficient grounds to ask for their discharge. .

In answer to the Bench, the captain Said he would be willing to procure more sailors. Their Worships then dismissed the case, allowing costs £2 18s. They referred the question as to the number of hands necessary on board to the Collector of Customs.