SHIP’S OFFICERS’ QUARREL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3253, 26 June 1911, Page 5

SHIP’S OFFICERS’ QUARREL.

ONE FINED FOR ASSAULT.

TROUBLE ON THE DRAYTON

GRANGE

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.J TIMARU, June 24. At the Police Court to-day H. Porter, a very powerful young man, and the fourth officer on the s.s. Drayton Grange were charged with assaulting Lewis, the third officer, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The steamer was in port on Tuesday and the accused alleged that Lewis insulted him ashore. Accused came aboard drunk and found Lewis asleep in the second officer’s cabin. He pummelled him in the face as lie lay, and when Lewis woke up and clinched with his attacker; the accused tried to gouge an eye out, injuring the tissues seriously. Evidence was given that accused was extremely violent and dangerous when drunk, and knives and other weapons had been taken from him and put out of his way. Lewis occupied the same cabin as Porter, but on Tuesday was taken into another for fear of mischief when Porter returned. Two Justices dealt with the case, and summarily fined accused £lO '(half to go to Lewis as compensation) with all costs and £2 2s solicitor’s fees. The money was not forthcoming, and the captain of the vessel declined to pay it, preferring to pay Porter off, and discharge him. Accused is quite a young man and is said to have had a good career at sea. He started as an A.B. four and a half vears ago . and he now holds a second mate’s certificate.