A REFRACTORY SKIPPER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2369, 20 October 1880, Page 2

A REFRACTORY SKIPPER.

At Greymouth Robert Stewart Agnew, master mariner, sued Mr Jas. Chesney, merchant, of Hokitika, for £IOO for assault and battery, Avrongful dismissal, and improperly removing him from the command of the Zephyr. The report in the “ Star” states that the plaintiff was placed on board a vessel to take her from Hokitika via Grey mouth to Melbourne. Grey mouth Avas reached, Avhere plaintiff, according to several Avitnesses, got drunk, and continued so. He made matters very uncomfortable for the mate, and ultimately ordered him aAvay altogether. Everything, except the captain and mate, Avas ready for sea. The toAv rope was placed on board repeatedly, and as often, by the captain’s orders, thrown off, the Customs refusing to let her go Avithout the mate. The officer also stated that the captain—the plaintiff to the suit—was drunk. This state of sffairs continued; the owner was wired for, and arrived on the vessel, Avhen he was peremptorily ordered by the captain ashore, Agnew then, according to the witness being the worse for drink. It was alleged that on Agnew retreating to the cabin Chesney followed and assaulted him. The Bench Considered that Agnew had brought on his dismissal by reason of his drunken conduct, and fined Chesney £5 and costs for the assault.