COURT MARTIAL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 338, 27 September 1932, Page 5

COURT MARTIAL

(Press. Assn.—

NAVAL PETTY QFFICER ON TRIAL AT DEVONPORT

-By Telegraph — Copyrlght).

Auckland, Monday. A coui't martial was held at Devonport naval depot to-day, when PettyOfficer Samuel Geox'ge Adams, supply petty-officer of H.M.S. Laburnxxm, waa charged with impropex-ly leaving his ship at Wellington on May 15, and also (1) between January and May 13, 1932, negligently performing his duty by failing to keep his books proper ly; (2) between November 2, 1931, and May 13, 1932, negligently performing his duty by failing to hand over to the supply officer £17 11s lOd, pax-t of a sum of £108 10s lld received by him for clothing and stores; (3) fraudulently converting £17 11s lOd. Accused was represented by civilian counsel. The president of the Court was Captain M. J. C. Demeric. The Judge Advocate, PaymasterCommander Durman, read a letter from Commander Rambottom, of H.M.S. Laburnum, outlining the case. He said it had been found that there was a net deficiency of £69 in stores, and from accounts received from an hotel it appeared that Adams had

been living in a manner which he could not afford. Counsel for accused objected to the latter statement, but the Court admitted it. Evidence was given by SurgeonLieutenant Burdon that he examined accused on May 15, and found him suffering from acute neurasthenia, largely caused by, excessive alcohol. Chief Petty Officer Abbott said that when he brought accused back on board he admitted having left the ship, but said he did not know how he had got ashore. He said, "I suppose I shall have to go under the hammer now." Evidence regarding the accounts of H.M.S. Laburnum was then taken. There are over 100 witnesses, and proceedings may last several days. Accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges.