A SAILOR SUFFOCATED.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2291, 21 July 1880, Page 3

A SAILOR SUFFOCATED.

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 11, a cutter manned by the master (Henry Johnson), and John Bockerman, a sailor, left Auckland for Thomas’ Creek with a cargo of bark. When off the entrance to the Whan Greek anchor was dropped for the night. The master laid down on his bed and did not wake till next morning. His mate set about lighting a fire in "a nail can, which served as a stove, in order to make some coffee. When the master awoke in the morning his legs were benumbed and his throat parched. He called to Beckcrman who was lying in his own bunk, requesting him to get up and give him some coffee to moisten his lips, but received no response. He then shouted again, “Why don’t you get up? Arc you dead ?” but without effect. Mr Johnson thereupon crawled across the floor as best he could, only to find his companion was no more. The pulse was stopped and life completely extinct although the body had not yet stiffened. The sole occupant of the boat then made his way to the deck, and tried to attract the attention of the Steamer, but without success. There was too much wind to admit of attempting to row to Auckland, with any likelihood of success, so he was compelled to remain there, ill as he was, a day and a night. Tuesday morning being calm, he succeeded in pulling to Freeman’s Bay in the cutter’s dingy, and upon arrival was assisted to his] home. The matter was reported to the police who found Beckerman’s body lying in the bed, and on one of the arms was a large hole, probably the work of a rat. The corpse was brought down to town and placed in the morgue. The deceased was 45 years of age. Johnson is slowly recovering.

we have is something monstrous. 1 cannot find a name for them all. Il must (ax (he ingenuity of the Government very greatly to know how to make the distinction. To make the men simply more than clerks, all kinds of names are given to them ; there arc under-secretaries, assistant under-se-cretaries, senior clerks, etc. All manner of names arc given to those who are highly paid. But who does the work ? I have had occasion to go to the offices. I have asked for and seen the head of the department. He says “ Take a chair.” I sit down. I tell him my business, and, without giving me an answer, and without any exertion on his part but by simply touching an electric hell, in runs a boy. He says to the boy “ Will you tell Mr ,” No. 2 in the office, to come ?” He comes and hears what I have to say, and then attempts to show me what I want to see, or he directs me to No. 8 in such a way that I can get the information I want, and then conducts me to No. 1, who respectfully says “ Good morning.” It appears to me, from what I can gather, that No. 1 in the office, who receives £6OO or £BOO a year, does very little [else than introduce strangers to No. 2, and No. 2 passes you to No. 3. Who is to clear out this Augean stable ?