Four Sartis, and six others, seamen belonging to the Merse, were charged with broaching cargo, and all except one with refusal of duty.
HM. Smith, J. Fotheringham, J. Buchan, J. Man-gie and W. Harrison admitted the charge; J. Smith, Smith, jama and. Hall, admitted having received the things after they were broached; M. Smith, denied the charge, and the Captain having no ey' accordingly dismissed with regard to the broaching of the cargo, but not as to the alleged refusal of duty.
The Captain stated that the cargo which had been stolen was singlets, but they were recovered. Several Varrels of beer were found empty, also some other eases were fonnd open; but does not know yet what lias been taken. The hatch was locked and they must have had a key fitted to it; he afterwards got the key from one of them.
The men admitted having refused duty, and the reason they assigned for so doing, was that they wanted a settlement of the cargo question; and it was only when they found out that the Captain was preparing to prosecute them, that they had done so.
The Captain was ordered by the Court to produce and swear to any claims that lie may have to pay in respect of short cargo; the amount of which will be equally divided and deducted from the wages of the defendants (excepting M. Smith); they also to pay, cost of summonses. The five men who admitted the charge of broaching the cargo were sentenced to twelve weeks' imprisonment with hard labor, and the five who only admitted receiving it to six weeks' imprisonment with hinnl Labor, M. Smith to pay cost of sumnmons and return to his duty.
Trios Duscas, a seaman belonging to the United Service, was charged with refusal of duty; defendant ad-mitied charge and was ordered to pay the cost of the summons and return to his duty.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.