Enclosure 2
Parties Present.
Mr. Master for prosecution.
Mr. Stevenson for defence.
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H. Murray, Carpenter S.S. "Scotia" pleads not guilty.
Mr. Master asked that the charge might be amended to "being absent from your ship without leave on the 25th, 28th, and 27th days of February and was guilty of continued disobedience of lawful command".
This was granted.
Mr. Master stated the outlines of the case, viz:- The S.S. "Scotia" arrived on the 24th instant. On the 25th instant the defendant was drunk and on that day asked for leave to go on shore which was refused. He then went on shore without permission. The following day he was taken to the Shipping office when he refused to return to the ship remaining on shore 2 days without leave. Defendant is charged under Subsection of section 6 of Ordinance 86 of 1899.
George Douglas Rushton, Master of "Scotia" sworn, states:- I arrived here in S.S. "Scotia" on the 24th instant. Defendant is carpenter of my ship, he signed articles on 18th October 1908.
Cross-examined by Mr. Master. No leave was asked by the Defendant from me personally. Matters of leave are left to the Chief Officer. Report was made to me on the 26th instant by the Chief Officer as to Murray being drunk and leaving the ship without permission. Entries in the Log have been inserted, I did not see him on the 28th instant, but heard him altercating with the Chief Officer and using insulting language to him. I have had great trouble with the defendant in Singapore recently where he was absent from the ship for 3 days. I spoke to the Defendant at that time cautioning him and giving him advice to alter his ways, and did not on that occasion have him tried for the offence.
By Mr. Stevenson.
I did not give any personal order to the defendant. The Chief Officer treats the defendant with respect. He was...