IMMORALITY IN SHIPS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27987, 6 June 1956, Page 8

IMMORALITY IN SHIPS

CONTROL OF WOMEN

VISITORS WELLINGTON HARBOUR BY-LAW (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. June 5. Police officers say the problem of women and young girls going aboard ships for immoral purposes is undei control at Wellington. The wharf golice thank a Wellington Harbour oard by-law. which gives them wide powers, for helping to deal with the questiorn The by-law strongly reinforces the national laws Vhich were outlined by the Deputy’-Controller-General of Police <Mr P. J. Nalder) when he announced that the problem was being investigated to see whether tighter legislation was needed.

The by-law was explained today by the sub-inspector in charge of the wharf police (Sub-Inspector G. E. Callaghan). He said it provided that no person would be allowed on any of the wharves unless he had, in the opinion of a wharfinger, legitimate business to warrant his presence. Also, any person refusing to state the nature of hibusiness was guilty of an offence. A oenalty of up to £2O was provided for. The definition of a wharfinger included a constable. There had been no great increase in the number of prosecutions recently. Sub-Inspector Callaghan said. About seven or eight women had been prosecuted this year, and about 100 warned off. Because of their experience, the police could usually tell when a woman was hanging round to get aboard a ship “on a speculative course.”

The difficulty of distinguishing between bona fide friends and women going on board for immoral purposes was mentioned "by the chaplain of the Missions to Seamen Institute (the Rev. J. Matthews).

Seamen received a great deal of hospitality at Wellington, and wanted to return it by inviting friends aboard, he said. No-one would suggest that a seaman’s friends or sweetheart should not be allowed to visit him.

In some overseas ports the wharves were closed to the public, but he did not favour that here, £aid Mr, Matthews. Many New Zealanders liked to walk round their wharves and fish from them.