BOATS TAKEN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 46, 29 April 1942, Page 5

BOATS TAKEN

MAORI'S COSTLY ESCAPADE

FINES TOTAL £25 The removal of two dingies from the Whiakatane wharf when, as he said, he was under the influence of liquor, cost a young Maori, living at Paroa £25 in fines when he appeared before Messrs' G. A. Brabant and J. G. Muiholland, J.P.'s, last Monday morning. Dave Wilson, the defendant, pleaded guilt3 r to. the charges against him but said he had but a hazy recollection as he had been to a party and had left late at night "with the intention of rowing up the river to his home. Sergeant Farrcll said that Wilson had approached the wharf taking the Harbour Board's dinghy from its moorings first and finding it too heavy to manoeuvre. Without any thought for its safety he had turned it loose, and allowed if to drift down stream while he turned his attention to a "lighter craft the property of Mr Neil Carter. He had in the meantime transferred the oars and the rowlocks to the smaller boat. He then proceeded home and left the second boat on the upper reaches of the river. The Bench in pointing out the seriousness of the breach, informed accused that he was liable for the removal of the boats to a fine of £100 on each count. Wilson thereupon expressed his regret and offered to take out a prohibition order. A fine of £15 on the first charge and £10 on the second was imposed, accused to be kept in custody until the fine is paid.