Thursday Flashback
Entertainment in the Spa’s Suncourt is still as popular today as it was when this picture was taken in the early 1900s. Visitors are being enterained by musicians in the bandstand, possibly the Scarborough Spa Orchestra which was created in 1912 by Alick MacLean. This first ensemble of 35 seemed to be suffering no effects from this accident which he had had. The defendant duly joined the boat at two o’clock as he had been instructed, but when on board he was given a certain order which he refused to fulfil. It was somebody else’s work according to him, and he immediately jumped ashore, and it appeared another man, a trimmer, went with him. This was duly reported to the owner, Mr Clarke, who went at 4.30pm to the Golden Ball where he saw the defendant and the trimmer. He asked them how it was they were not on board, and they then said they had no orders. Mr Clarke, however, told them he had only just left the skipper, who said he ordered the crew for 2.15pm. Mr Clarke said, “As owner of the boat, come with me.” And he threatened proceedings. The trimmer said he would go, but the defendant, Ramsey, refused. He was the worse for drink. professional musicians gave daily concerts in the Grand Hall and Suncourt. Photo reproduced courtesy of the Max Payne collection. Reprints can be ordered with proceeds going to local charities. Telephone 0330 1230203 and quote reference number YRN160407-154541050
He made no statement at all at that time about his foot. As a result of the defendant refusing to go to sea, instead of the Otterhound being able to leave Scarborough on Friday afternoon, it was kept here until the Monday, a new substitute having then been found.
These proceedings, continued Mr Whitfield, were not taken in a vindictive spirit against the defendant himself by Mr Clarke. It was a matter of importance to the owners of fishing boats and also to the general public that fishing boats which contributed to the food supply of the country should not be delayed in this manner, but that they should be kept working and fish supplied and maintained at the highest possible output. He might say the penalty for this offence was not a high one. The only penalty they did ask for was one not exceeding two days of the defendant’s wages. He got 8s a day - 56s per week - and in addition to that he received his food. Therefore he would receive 9s 6d per day at the least.
Evidence bearing out the points contained in the above statement was given by Charles Oxley, 25, Franklin Street, who said he was a fish salesman and assisted in the management of the Otterhound. Defendant gave him (witness) distinctly to understand that he would go to sea, and added “the chief would not go without me”.
Neville S Clarke, owner of the Otterhound, also gave evidence, and gave figures to show how he had suffered financially by the Otterhound not being able to put to sea on account of defendant’s refusal to go with her.
Defendant said he was ill at sea for four days. His foot was scalded by a pan tumbling over at home and not at sea.
The Mayor said they found the charge against the defendant proved. It was a very serious thing that by this off-hand conduct of the defendant’s the owners had been put to such inconvenience and loss. He would be fined two days’ pay 16s, and the costs.