E.
R.
In the Marine Magistrate's Court to Hongkong.
Tuesday
HONGKONG
Minutes of Proceedings. TO WIT
WILLIAM BROWNE
STATES
21st
the....
day of....
February
1905
Master of the "Franklyn"
B
Sworn.
By the COURT.
*.B. continued.
I arrived in Bondkong on the 20th inst:, and my Agents, Messrs: Dodwell & Cor, gave me a letter from my Owners instructing me to proceed to Sasebo, in Japan. I communicated that intelligence to the org and one and all of them refused to proceed to Sasebo The reason they assigned for their refusal wes that the ship is carrying contraband of war.
I am carrying coal shipped at Cardiff for Japan. I then communicated the circumstance to your Hors as Harbour Master. You saw the men and tried to od -vince them that they had no ground for legitimate refusal..
Articles produced and examined. Log Book produced and found in order.
P.J.Collins
A.B.
T. Forster, fireman.
The Court
Summing up.
The voyage including Japanese Forts.
I am not sure who will refund to me my life if I an killed.
I refuse to proceed to Japan.
addressing each of the crew, an opportunity was give for them to change their determination, but none Ro do so.
I have individually and collectively explained to you men, when you interviewed me yesterday, the fals conclusions you had arrived at regarding your positi You deliberately signed Articles to proceed to court -tries in which Japan is included at a time when you knew that country to be at war. It has transpired since your arrival in Hongkong that your cargo which
Red consists of coal is to be carried to Sasebo. danger been involved due to this service the fact have received due consideration. But as I have est -voured to show you there is nothing in the voyage 2 the present time that can be regarded as being cuts the ordinary risks of a seafaring life.
That being so you are wilfully and wrongfully i -noring the terms of your agreement.
I see a couple of lads (apprentices) among your Ther Dumber who can have no voice in the matter. been badly advised, and I decline to deal with ther and they will be put on board their vessel again.
If the Master consents to withdraw the charge against any one of you who chooses to return to bis duty, you have this final opportunity of so doing.
D
SENTENCED
122
One man
Otherwise you will assuredly receive the punishment
you are asking for
H.Jonės, 4.B. stepped out, and the charge being withdrawn
against him he returned to the ship. The remainder persisted in
their refusal.
to 10 weeks imprisonment, and to be reshipped on
board the "Franklyn" should she return to Hongkong
before the expiration of the sentence.
(signed) D. Barnes-Dewrence.
CERTIFIED TRUE COPY. (in two sheets.,
MARINE MAGISTRATE,
Marine Magistrali
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