ARREST OF A SCHOONER.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1918, Page 6

ARREST OF A SCHOONER.

UNUSUAL ACTION AT NEW PLYMOUTH. The Wrest of a ship is an unusual occurrence anywhere, but it is understood that such an action lias never been taken before at New Plymouth. Such, however, is the fate of the schooner Ottillie Fjord, now at the breakwater. The cause of the action is alleged damage to cargo. The proceedings were' instituted by two merchant firms trading in New Plymouth, and were taken under Admiralty jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The writs were served by nailing them on the main mast of the vessel. Warrants for the arrest of the vessel were issued to the "marshal," requiring that he should effect the arrest, and the warrants were also nailed to the mast. As New Plymouth had no marshal under the Admiralty jurisdiction, the sheriff was specially appointed to the position. Provision for arresting a vessel is a means for protecting people who have claims against it. Usually the owners of vessels have an office or agent at the ports to which their boats trade, against which action can be taken, but as the Ottillie Fjord is owned in San Francisco, and as there arc no agents for her here, I it has become necessary to take action J against them by placing the boat under I arrest.

Proceedings will have to be taken in the Supreme Court, but it does not follow that the vessel will have to remain here until the actions are settled. The owners will be communicated with, and, providing they give the necessary security, she will be released.

The Ottillie Fjord arrived at New Plymouth from San Francisco on September 12 with a cargo of benzine, lubricating oil and general goods, including some dried fruits, and it is understood that it is to the latter that the damage has occurred. She is owned by the Messrs. Woods Stevedore Company, and is at present loading a cargo of pelts and flax for San Francisco.