Landing Charges: A case of great interest to the mercantile community was heard in the Madras Small Cause Court on the 1st and 2nd instant. Mr. W. Maylor was plaintiff and the Agent of the P. and O. Company defendant. The amount claimed was a little over Rs. 800 being estimated over-charges on landing 163 tons of iron bridgework from the S.S. Bokhara in August Last … … The witnesses for the plaintiff were Mr. R. Allon (General Storekeeper, Madras Railway Company,) his Assistant, … (continues) … Defendant’s witnesses were Mr. King of the P. and O. Office, Messrs. Binny and Co.’s and Arbuthnot and Co.’s Shipping Clerks, Mr. Crowther, Deputy, Master Attendant, Mr. Pinsent (partner in the firm of Shaw and Winch), Mr. Stolberg, Pier Master, Mr. Grainger of the D.P.W., several boat owners and others. Plaintiff’s counsel commented strongly on the evidence of Mr. Pinsent (who was formerly employed in the P. and O. Office but resigned in order to start as a Broker and Agent). Mr. Pinsent had a contract for landing goods for the P. and O. Company, and at first said he had not any interest in any of the Madras boats, but upon being pressed by Mr. Miller he admitted that his mother was part owner of several boats which worked for the P. and O. Company, and that he looked after his mother’s interest. Much valuable evidence was elicited. Mr. Miller contended that it is quite illegal for boat-owners to demand such exorbitant rates and that if merchants and others would only take the trouble to get the law put in force they (the boatmen) would not have the upper hands as they have now. The Judge (Mr. Bustreed) promised to deliver judgement on the 1st proximo.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0133 India: Charles Powell Tronson Pinsent: 1849 – 1904