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In the Dunfermline Journal and Advertiser for West Fife
100 years ago this weekend (to be specific the 18 September 1915 issue)
Marine Engineer's Impertinence to Naval Officers
Thomas Finlay marine engineer late of the steam lighter 'Trephom' admitted having while on board the lighter which was lying alongside one of His Majesty's ships conducted himself in a disorderly manner and committed a breach of the peace.
Accused said he had provocation. The motors broke down on the way from Glasgow and the ship was kept waiting till 5 o'clock at night before it could get away. Their ship had to go round the whole of the Admiralty ships. His ship went to the place where it usually drew up but the officer ordered the ship to go round to the other side.
The prosecutor had a complaint from the King's Harbourmaster who reported the accused for using filthy, insulting and obscene language to two officers on board His Majesty's Ship. The accused refused to give his mame when requested. The lighter was being brought alongside the starboard side of the ship and the accused was told to go to the port side. In view of the insults to the officers the King's Harbourmaster thought the case should be followed up. Finlay afterwards absconded and was arrested in Dumbartonshire. Accused said he did not abscond. The King's Harbourmaster ordered him to be dismissed which was a very severe punishment when it was considered he had been 2 days in custody.
Baillie Kenny said the charge was a serious one. It was a big mistake for a man to make under the circumstances and the use of filthy language was very demoralising to every person who heard the language. The sentence would be a fine of £1 with the option of 10 days imprisonment.
Tune in next week to see what happened in Dunfermline next week 100 years ago ..........
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