On Thursday 23 Apr., [1846], a seaman named Ally, belonging to the Seringapatam, whaling ship, appeared at the Police Office, to prefer a charge of assault against Mr. Lovell, the master, and Mr. Debney of the same vessel. It appeared that Ally, who had formerly lived in Sydney, and had been dealt with by the Police Bench, shipped at Guam to do what he could. On the 8th of February last, when off New Georgia, whales were sighted, and the boats lowered; Ally belonged to the second mate's boat, and for some offence taken by him, threatened not to pull; he however got into the boat, but when the mate desired the crew to "spring" to their oars, he only sang and just dipped his oar in and out of the water. The mate being an eager whaler, immediately put back and put Ally on board, taking another man into the boat, and fastened to a whale. The captain and mate accosted Ally about his disobedience, and received insolent language from him, on which they gave him about two dozen stripes with a ropes end. The second mate was called for the defence, who deposed to the complainant's disobedience, and to a series of misconduct and insolence throughout the voyage, and stated Ally to be one of those idle vagabonds called sea lawyers, whose sole pleasure is to be making mischief. The assault was not attempted to be justified, as the complainant might have been legally punished by the forfeiture of his lay (sic), but pleaded provocation. The Bench fined the master 40s, and the mate 20s., and 5s. 6d. costs, and ordered Ally to be returned to his ship.

^ back to top ^