ALLEGED DRUNKENNESS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9558, 3 August 1909, Page 5

ALLEGED DRUNKENNESS.

CHARGES AGAINST AN ENGINEER. By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, August L\ Mr Haselden, S.M., Captain Scoullar and Mr W. J. Lecren, investigated three charges of drunkenness alleged against Joseph Bradbury, until recently chief engineer of the steamer Storm.

The action was taken under section 239 of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1908.

Evidence .was given in support of the allegations that Bradbury was drunk on May 19th, 20th and 21st; also, that as a consequence of Bradbury's alleged indulgence the engines ran hot, involving £99 in repairs, and damage to cargo amounting to £3O or £4O. McFadden, until recently second engineer'on the same vessel,, deposed that on the passage from Timaru to Wanganui he found Bradbury asleep during his watch and witness kept I watch for sixteen hours on end. The defence was a specific denial of the charges of drunkenness, being asleep during watch and that the condition of the engines was due to. respondent's neglect. Objection was taken by respondent's counsel to the production of the log-book, as the entries regarding Bradbury's alleged drunkenness were not made at the specified time, namely, before thfi vessel reached port.

The Court noted the objection and will give a decision in the case to-

morrow. The case is said to be the first of its'kind in the Dominion.