PILLAGING OF CARGO

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25227, 4 July 1947, Page 9

PILLAGING OF CARGO

POLICE AND WHARF SUPERVISION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISCUSSION What he described as alarming aspects of the pillaging problem in New Zealand were mentioned by Mr E. T. Beaven at the meeting of the council of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce last evening, when he reported on discussions by the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce regarding the theft of goods carried on the New Zealand coast. He said it had been reported that there was practically no police protection on the wharves at Wellington, and there was no ban on the employment of a man who had had police convictions. Mr Beaven added that the proper packaging of goods for shipment nad been discussed, and cases had been cited of people who packed expensive goods—fur coats—in paper parcels. Shippers had said that they would have to have more protection than that. “The most extraordinary statement made was that there is no ban on the wharf on a man who has had police convictions,” said Mr Beaven. “After serving a month’s sentence he resumes his normal occupation. I think that is a most alarming state of affairs, and I am perfectly certain the public does not know of it.

“There is practically no police protection on the wharf. You and I could go on a ship and walk off with large paper parcels under our arms, and there would be no comment. Possibly there are not enough policemen to do the job.”

Mr Beaven said these two aspects were alarming when the pillaging problem to-day was considered. Mr Irving Sladen said he understood there was a lot of stealing on ships coming to New Zealand. What could be suggested to check that sort of thieving? Mr T. F. M. Gibson said that if a waterside worker was caught pillaging twice he was stood down for six months. Mr W. R, Campbell said that the special pillaging committee had been assured that there was police supervision and other supervision on the wharves. He did not feel that there was an entire lack of supervision on the wharves at Lyttelton or in the railway sheds. Mr W. S. MacGjbbon said there was police protection at Lyttelton, and the Police Department had been good in giving the Harbour Board detective service. The board had consulted with the Railways Department to see what could be done to seal off the wharves from those who had no right to be there. “If we could only eradicate the people who are the sellers of these stolen goods, we could soon eliminate pillaging,” added Mr Mac Gibbon. Mr Campbell said the pillaging committee had received considerable cooperation from the police and also the Waterside Workers’ Union. It had been established that a man’s sentence for pillaging was not the full penalty, out disciplinary measures were taken by the union. Mr Beaven said the remarks he had passed concerned the Wellington wharves. “We all respect the Police Force, tut I think they are stopped by the powers that be from forcing the issue.” said the president (Mr H. C. Hurst).