LABOURER FINED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24401, 12 September 1940, Page 8

LABOURER FINED

VISIT TO OVERSEAS SHIP OFFICIAL LAXITY CRITICISED (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Sept. 11. The fact that a man yesterday boarded an overseas ship lying at the Queen’s wharf without a permit was severely criticised ■by the magistrate, Mr F. H. Levien, in. the. Police Court to-day, when William James Sylvester Anthony 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 wanted to see Constable Anderson at the Queen’s wharf police station. It was later 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 the 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 is an official on duty on the gangway. The' magistrate: Well, what is the good of having the 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 is allowed to pass the gates and, although there is an official on duty at the ship’s gangway, he is allowed to get aboard. What a wonderful system! A nd now lam asked to impose a penalty. A maximum penalty of a fine of £ 100 or 12 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. Whitty was fined £3.