236
With reference to my defence, I am not at all satisfied that Mr Steavenson is a qualified Solicitor. He made no attempt to defend me; failing even to ask the questions given to him by me to put to the prosecutor, and each of his witnesses, and which were of vital importance.
I was not allowed to call either of my witnesses.
I may here mention that the sergeant of police who served the Summons on my two witnesses came to me and volunteered to give evidence on my behalf, the Chief Officer having made use of most insulting and abusive language toward him when on board for the purpose of serving the same. I was not allowed to offer any statement in defence, but was immediately on the conclusion of the evidence for the prosecution at the request of the solicitor sentenced to be fined 14 days' pay £4.19.8 and to be imprisoned for 10 days with hard labour. I was afforded no opportunity of appealing.
On the day following my incarceration in Victoria Gaol, I appealed to the Superintendent to be allowed to go on board to pack my effects; my tools being scattered all over the shop and mixed with the ship's tools. The Superintendent communicated with the Captain with reference to this request; the Captain's reply being that he would be responsible that all my property should be safely landed in the Sailors Home, which is under the immediate charge of the Shipping Master.
On Thursday, March 22nd, the assistant to the Shipping Master came to Victoria Gaol and endeavoured to coerce me into signing clear of the Articles, this I refused to do, and have not yet done so.
Shortly after my incarceration I was sent for by the Superintendent of the Gaol and informed that Mr Barnes Lawrence...
236
With refere ce to y defence, I am not et satisfied that Mr Steavenson is a qualified Solicitor. He aue no
uestiong
atte pt to defend we; failing even to ask the given to him by me to put to the prosecutor, and each or his witnesses, and which were of vital importance.
I was not allowed to call either of my witnesses.
I may here mention that t e sergeant of police who served te Summons on my two witnesses came to me and volunteered to give evidence on my be alf, the Chief O ricer having made use of most insulting and abusive language toward him when on board for the purpose of
serving the g one. I was not all wed to offer any statement in defence, but was immediately on the conclusion of the evidence for the prosection at the request of the solicitor sentenced to be fined 14 days' pay £4.19.8%
and to be imprisoned for 10 days with hard labour. I was afforded no opport nity of appealing.
On the way following my incarceration in Victoria
Gaol, I appealed to the Superintendent to be allowed to
go on board to pack my effects; w tools being scattered
all over the shop ano mixed with the ship's tools. Toe Superintendent communi ated with the Captain with reference to this request; the Captain's reply being that ne wo ld be responsible that all my property should
be safely landed in the Sailors Home, which is under
the immediate charge of the Shipping. Master.
On Thursday, March Bra., the assistant to the
Ship ing Muster came to Victoria Gaol and endeavoured to
coerce me into gigning clear of the Articles, this I
refused to do, and have not yet done so.
Shortly after my incarceration I was sent for by the
Superinten. ent of the Gucl and infor ed that Mr Barnes
Lawrence
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