SHIP BOARDED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21215, 11 September 1940, Page 8

SHIP BOARDED

INCIDENT AT AUCKLAND MAGISTRATE’S CRITICISM BREACH OF REGULATIONS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Wednesday 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 today 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 that he had “put one over him,” as he wanted to get on the ship to see a fireman. The police had ascertained that the fireman named had been paid off the ship in Australia. “Supposed To Be Serious” Mr Levien: How did he get on the boat? Senior-Sergeant Joyce: There is an official on duty on the gangway. Mr Levien: 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 a 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! Now lam asked to impose a penalty, the maximum penalty being a fine of £IOO or 12 months’ imprisonment. Senior-Sergeant Joyce: A constable has authority to admit persons with business at the wharf police station. Mr Levien: If a man wishes to go to the police station on the wharf he should have an escort. Whitty was fined £3.