Hongkong, 31st May, 1870.
A Marine Court held to enquire into the con-diet of Captain Midleton, ofthe Flory Cros, has arrived at the following decision First—That James Middleton, number of whose certificate of competency is 6,367, master of the British ship Fiery Cros, official number 29,165, was, during the xoyags from London to Hongkong, at. times under the influence of intoxicating liquors, but there is no evidence to show that he was on any occasion incapable of performing his duties.
Steond.—'That from the 2ist to 25th instant inclusive, whilst in the harbour of Hongkong, Janes Middleton was in a state of intoxication, and unable to attend to his duties.
The Court adjudges that James Middleton's certificate of competency be suspended for six months from this date.
passing so lenient a sentence, the Court has been guided by the good character which James Middleton has hitherto held, as shown by his certificates.
H, G. Tuouserr, x x., Harbor Master, &e.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.