JACK ASHORE.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 143, 7 May 1879, Page 3

JACK ASHORE.

(from THE MELBOURNE “ ARGUS/’) Fmm some mysterious reason which we cannot now stay to examine the morals of those having business relations •with seamen arc almost invariably of Fie lowest description. F ere may bo ,o, « sweet little, cherub ” sitting “smil-

... •j. X t.ui. Oi S V.aS, i bug ii' so, the urchin sadly neglects his duty. ii v. - < aid iu ;i groat thing if lie could. l>c induced to look grave for once, to conn; oil his perch, and attend to his business. By way ot* a change he might see if he could manage to protect a tew of liis special proteges from the crowd of crimps, “ runners,” disreputable pothouse hoopers, and miscellaneous scoundrels who dog their footsteps from the moment the anchor is down in port until they are put on hoard some outward bound vessel in a state .of stupor, furnished with a kit barley sufficient to afford a change—about 5s ■worth probably out of aL4 advance note. Last week a publican, his wife, and “ tout,” were brought before the Williamstown Police Court, the first two offenders charged with harboring runaway seamen, and the last with persuading - them to desert. The evidence disclosed what is apparently a reg'ular system of villainy. The precious trio apparently carry on a very pretty little game. The ‘‘tout ” induces men to run away, and then the fleecing is done by the firm. Sailors are secreted, shipped under false names, and relieved of their advance notes on the most approved principles. We regret that the magistrate did not take opportunity of making" an example of these people. What is a twenty-shilling line with 1.2 2s costs in each case to men and women engaged iu ‘‘cashing"’ advance notes, and picking sailors’ bones clean ? The “ runner” got into trouble again on Saturday for having in his possession a boat without a name on ii —a very convenient craft for his highly respectable business. At the time of the seizure this worthy man was taking a seaman on board the Eaton Hall, a vessel just about to sail, which jolly tar declared that all he had received for his L 4 advance note was half a bar of soap and two boxes of matches. We trust, that Captain Payne, as suporintendant of mercantile marine, will dolus best to bring the [whole crimping tribe to punishment, and that the magistrate will abstain from rendering his efforts nugatory by such sentences as those to which we have alluded. Such harpies need rooting out with a firm hand. They rob the sailor, defy the law, and bring’ discredit on the port.