A young man named James Phillips appeared on summons, to answer the complaint of Captain Knox, proprietor of the Irish Times newspaper, for absconding from his work without permission. The defendant, having made application to Captain Knox for employment, was engaged by him in the capacity of turn-over apprentice, occasionally to work a small hand-press, and assist the compositors when hurried. His expenses were paid from Newry, where he had been stopping, and on his coming to Dublin he entered into a written agreement to serve for a prescribed period in the office, having been promised constant employment so long as he conducted himself, and was found useful. He signed a document which was produced, agreeing to bind himself to the office as an indentured apprentice, but before a printed formal indenture was executed the defendant absconded from the office, without assigning any reason for his conduct.
The Magistrate (Mr F. T. Porter) was of opinion he had no jurisdiction to deal with the case, the defendant not being regularly indentured, having merely signed an agreement promising to bind himself. He would dismiss the case without prejudice, leaving it open to Captain Knox to take what further proceedings he should think proper.
The Irish Times, September 20th, 1859