RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 417, 29 August 1877, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

THIS DAY. (Before W. J. Steward and T. A. Clowes, Esqrs., J.P.s) ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE. Richard King was charged by Captain Bankier with having absented himself without leave from the brig Moa, yesterday. Alexander Bankier, master of the brig Moa, stated that he had engaged the accused about the 28th July, at Newcastle, New South Wales. He signed the ship's articles as cook and steward. His engagement was to expire in December next. The accused undertook to serve the full time of his engagement, and knew what he was signing. Gn tl.e morning of the 28th inst., about a quarter or half-past six, the accused left the vessel without permission, and had not returned to his duties since. The prisoner took the ship's boat away and left it unattended at the wharf. There was no reason for the prisoner leaving the vessel. Sergeant Btatty gave evidence with reference to the arrtsting of the accused. Prisoner said he had not intended to leave ti.o vtssel. Some of the men had been complaining of the manner in which they w-tie stivtd by him, and he merely wishtd to yive them an opportunity of seeing what they could do for thtmselves. He intended returning at dinner time. Captain Bankier expressed his willingness for accused to return to the vessel if he promised not to absent himself again. The Bench ordered accused to return to the vessel, and to have turo days' pay deducted fitm the money owing to him for absenting himself frim his duties.