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Mr. Master refused permission to land on the 25th instant having been unfit for duty during the day.
His character previous to being in Singapore has been imprudent.
The Chief Officer exercises a proper manner in his dealing with the crew.
John Richard, Chief Officer S.S. "Scotia" sworn, states:- I am borne on the articles of the S.S. "Scotia" as Chief Officer. When the defendant asked for leave to go on shore on the 25th instant, he was drunk at the time and I refused permission. He did not turn to his work on his return on the 28th instant.
I sent for the keys of the store room on the 26th instant, after finding he had left the ship the keys of the carpenter's shop and store room.
My tools were in the carpenter's shop. (Defendant here became excited and had to be told to be respectful to the Court).
Robert Chine, 4th Officer S.S. "Scotia" sworn, states:- I am 4th Officer of the "Scotia". I saw the defendant leave the ship in company with Mr. Murray and some men of the Artillery. He seemed sober. This was about 4 p.m. on the 25th instant. I did not see him again until the 28th instant.
I have been in the Mercantile Marine since September 1897, and previously from 1885 to 1897 in the Royal Navy as Carpenter's Mate.
I deny that I was drunk on the occasion in question. I consider I have not been properly treated by the Chief Officer. (The defendant was here called to order for gesticulating towards the Chief Officer).
On the 26th instant I obtained a bottle of claret, that is all the drink I had. I applied for leave at 8 p.m. from the Shipping Office on the 26th. I returned to the ship at 12:30 a.m.
Guterres, Deputy Shipping Master, sworn, states:- The defendant presented himself at the Shipping Office on the 28th instant with the Master of the S.S. "Scotia". The Master wished to discharge the carpenter. I informed him that I could not do so except by mutual...