A SHIPPING CASE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10059, 29 January 1909, Page 2

A SHIPPING CASE.

(Peb Press Association.) Lyttelton, January 29. -V somewhat peculiar case was heard ai the Lyttelton Police Court this morning', when Captain Sellars, of the Westport Coal Company's steamer Canopus,. was convicted because he went to sea without havinn- on board certain hands although the ship did not require them. The Canopus, being a steamer of-1200 horsepower, is required bv the Shipping and Seamen Act of 1901 to cany three firemen, two trimmers, and two greasers. She has been sailing for some time without trimmers. The offence was admitted. Captain Marciel, of the Marine Department, said that the ship actually had more men than .was required, having six firemen and three greasers. He had been instructed to prosecute, the Department desiring the shipping world to know laat the Act must be complied with properly. The firemen carried could not be made to do work other than as firemen, so were not an efficient substitute. For the defence it was explained that the steamer did not require trimming except on very rare occasions, when the firemen could do it, and were engaged on that understandin". Captain Marciel said the Act made no provision for such a proceeding. The Justices decided to convict defendant ana ordered the payment of costs, but no fine. The Court requested Captain Marciel to bring the anomaly under the notice of the Department.