SHIP BOARDED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 243, 11 September 1940, Page 8

SHIP BOARDED

MAN WITHOUT PERMIT. MAGISTRATE’S CRITICISM. AUCKLAND, Sept. 11. The fact that a man yesterday boarded an overseas ship lying at Queen’s Wharf without a permit was severely criticised by the Magistrate (Mr F. 11. Levien)' in the Police Court to-day, when William James Sylvester Ant'riony Whitty, aged 31, a labourer, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Shipping Safety Emergency Regulations, 1940. The police said Whitty was admitted to the wharf when he said he v’anted to see Constable Anderson at the Queen’s Wharf Police Station. Later it was discovered that Whitty did not go to see the constable, but had been on an overseas ship. Whitty told the constable he had “put one over him,” as he wanted to get on a ship to see a fireman. The police ascertained that the fireman named had been paid off the ship in Australia.

The Magistrate: How did he get on the boat? Senior-Sergeant Joyce: There was an official on duty on the gangway. The Magistrate: Well, what’s the good of having regulations? This man is charged with an offence for which, if he elects, he can be tried by the Supreme Court. It is supposed to be a serious offence, but on pitching a tale to the constable he was allowed to pass the gates and, although there was an official on duty at t'he ship s gangway, lie was allowed to get aboard. What a wonderful system! And now I am asked to impose a penalty. A maximum penalty of a fine of £IOO or twelve months’ imprisonment is provided. Senior-Sergeant Joyce said the constable had authority to admit persons with business at the wharf police station. The Magistrate: If a man wishes to go to the police station on the wharf he should have an escort. V by not? Whitty was fined £3.