EXPLOSIVES AT WHARF

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 10065, 1 August 1925, Page 2

EXPLOSIVES AT WHARF

CAPTAIN OF ELSIE MARY IN

COURT

A master mariner named Thomas Stephens was charged in the Police Court yesterday before Mr E. C. Leweyi S.M., with unloading explosives at a wjiarf other than the western groyne, the information being laid by the Gisborne Harbor Board. The’Board was represented by Mr 1:1. D. Chris? and Mr J. S. Wauohop appeared for the defendant. Mr Clirisp stated that- the defendant was the captain of the Elsie Mary which had arrived in Gisborne last week with a cargo of explosives. The captain was required to give notice of his cargo and to dishargo it at a certain point away from the town, hut instead berthed the vessel at the +o\Vn wharf. 6s this was the first case under the by-law the Board did not pres? for a heavy penalty. Mr Wauchop explained that the vessel had arrived in the Bay in rough weather and after some days had been able to run for the harbor Imt it was not practicable for the ship to- berth at tho proper landing place and so the captain used Jus discretion and nautical knowledge as he thought for the best, mile he had pleaded guilty lie had really no alternative. 1 XI The Magistrate said that under . lie circumstances he order the defendant to pay costs £1 ts.