SHIPMASTER’S PETITION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 784, 3 October 1929, Page 6

SHIPMASTER’S PETITION

SAYS HE WAS VICTIM OF MALICE MAUI POMARE INCIDENT THE SUy'S Parliamentary Reporter PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Wed. In view of a report from the Cook Islands Department, the A to L Petitions Committee of the House of Representatives has recommended to the Government that an inquiry be made into the charges against A. R. J. Cant, of Auckland, of misconduct and dereliction of duty, and also into the question of the return of his master's certificate. Mr. Cant petitioned Parliament for a full inquiry. The petition stated that Cant was master of the Hinemoa from June, 1925, to September, 1927. He went to Ireland to superintend the completion of the Maui Pomare and to bring her to New Zealand. Petitioner alleged that after inspection of the Maui Pomare. during her construction, he reported that the vessel was most unsuitable for the trade and recommended certain alterations, some of which were carried out. During petitioner’s absence, the chief, second, and third officers of the Hinemoa laid charges against him of dereliction of duty, misconduct, and general incompetence in the management and navigation of the vessel, alleged to have taken place at Suva on August 19, 1927, and on the prior trip to Norfolk Island.

Petitioner believed that the oflScers were actuated by malice and unworthy motives. He denied all the charges, and made a full explanation of the circumstances. He was summarily dismissed as master of the Maui Pomare. Consequent strain of his position embarrassed petitioner to such an extent that he could not face degradation, and absconded with approximately £l5O of the Government’s money. He was convicted of embezzlement, and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.