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Mr. Mester and consent and on receipt of a guarantee that the man would not become a burden to the Colony.
The defendant would not sign off and behaved in a most insolent way and refused when told to leave the Office. I had to order the European Constable to remove him. I consider Mr. Stevenson having been under the influence of drink at the time.
No further questions were put.
Summing up.
It is clear to me that you were guilty of disobedience in the first instance by leaving the ship on the 25th instant, after having been refused permission. I am also satisfied that on being told at the Shipping Office on the 26th instant to return to the ship that you did not do so.
If you had had a grievance against the Chief Officer, you had opportunity when at the Shipping Office or by a request to see me to make it.
Sentenced to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 weeks and to forfeit 14 days pay.
True Copy.
Sd.
L. Barnes Lawrence,
Harbour Master, S.S.
Sd.
L. Barnes-Lawrence,
Marine Magistrate.
1st March, 1904.