PERSISTENT OFFENDER

Evening Star, Issue 23817, 22 February 1941, Page 20

PERSISTENT OFFENDER

LAUNCH IN PROHIBITED AREA WARNING SHOTS FIRED [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, February 41. D. £. Whitelaw, the owner of ft fishing boat which he operates singlehanded, who has caused warning shots to be fired from the battery at North, Head more than once since the outbreak of war, appeared in the Police Court to-day to plead guilty to a breach, of the shipping control emergency regulations. Mr R. Meredith, who prosecuted oa behalf of the Naval authorities, said that Whitelaw anchored his launch in. the prohibited area of llangitoto Channel. The examination boat went over, but Whitelaw refused to shift. A shot was fired, and the examination vessel again went out to the launch. Whitelaw, from his dinghy, cut" the tow line when his launch was taken in tow by the examination vessel. Eventually an armed guard went out and brought Whitelaw to the naval base. Mr Meredith added _ that Whitelaw had given the authorities trouble on seven occasions, and had been fired on several times, hut that seemed to makei little difference. Whitelaw, in a lengthy statement to the magistrate (Mr J. Morling) said he had never intended to defy or disobey the regulations. “ The regulations have got to bo obeyed.” said the Magistrate, who fined Whitelaw £lO, and warned him that any further trouble would bo severely dealt with.