WITHOUT PERMIT

Grey River Argus, 12 September 1940, Page 9

WITHOUT PERMIT

MAN ON OVERSEAS SHIP.

AUCKLAND, September 11. The fact that a man yesterday boarded an overseas ship lying at Queen’s Wharf, without a permit, was severely criticised by Mr Levien, S M., in the Police Court to-day, when William James Sylvester Anthony Whitty 31, labourer, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Shipping Safety Emergency Regulations, 1940. The police said that Whitty was admitted to the wharf when he said he wanted to see Constable Anderson at the Queen’s Wharf Police Station. Later, it was 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 ascertained that the fireman named had been paid off the ship in Australia. The Magistrate: How did he get on the ship? Senior-Sergeant Joyce: There was an official on duty on the gangway. The Magistrate: 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 the constable, he was allowed to pass the gates, and although there was an official on duty at the ship’s gangway, he was allowed to get aboard. What a wonderful system! And now I am asked to impose a penalty. A maximum penalty of a fine of £lOO or twelve months’ imprisonment is provided. ' Senior-Sergeant Joyce said that I the constable had authority to admit ! persons with business at the wharf j police station. The Magistrate: If a man wishes to go to the police station on the wharf, he should have an escort. Why not? Whitty was fined £3.