THE COURTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 1, 26 June 1911, Page 5

THE COURTS.

1 STEAMER OFFICER CONVICTED Of ASSAULT. • By Tehgrapk.—Press Assooi&tio. Timaru, Last Night. , At the Police Court to-day H. Porter, a powerful young man, fourth officer of the Drayton Grange, was charged with assaulting Lewis, the third officer, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The steamer was in port on Tuesday, and ac- ( cused allepcd that Lewis insulted him ashore. Accused came aboard drunk, found Lewis asleep in the second officer's , cabin, pommelled him in the face as' he lay, andj when Lewis woke up and clinehed accused, tried to gottge an .eye out, injuring the tissues seriously. Evidence was given that accused was extremely violent and dangerous when drunk. Rnive.s and other weapons had had to be taken from him and put out of hi? way. Lewis occupied the same cabin as Porter, but on Tuesday was taken into anotlmr for fear of mischief Mien Porter returned. The two Justices decided to deal with the case summarily, and fined accused £ilO (half to |go to Lewis compensation), all costs and £2 -2s sdicitors' fees. Tho money wits not forthcoming, and the captain declined to pay, preferring to pay Porter off and Qtscharge him. Accused, who is quite a young man, and said to have had a good career at sea, started as an A.B. four and a half years ago. He now holds a second mato's certificate.