SMOKING NEAR BENZINE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 286, 19 November 1923, Page 4

SMOKING NEAR BENZINE.

WHARF LABOURER PROSECUTED DISOBEYING A WHARFINGER. Harry Brown, a waterside worker, was charged at the Napier Magistrate’s Court this morning with refusing to obey an order given by a wharfinger while under his control. Mr. W. R. Grant appeared lor the Napier Harbour Board, who laid the information. Mr. Grant said that there were special regulations regarding the discharge of benzine. This case arose out of a visit of a benzine boat to the breakwater. Two “smoke-ohs” were allowed the men each day at a distance of about 120 ft. Defendant came past no one occasion smoking a cigarette. The wharfinger said “Put that out.” Defendant replied: “1 will put it out further along.” The danger from the benzine fumes on these occasions was very great. Defendant said that when the wharfinger told him to put the cigarette out he did so by smothering it. Witness was not smoking after he got past th© wharfinger. The wharfinger did not look to see whether the cigarette was out or not. Similar evidence was given by William Taylor. Mr. R. W. Dyer, S.M.. said that if Brown had put his cigarette out the wharfinger would not hav© laid the information. What would he want to prosecute for if he had not grounds for his complaint? Defendant would be fined £2 and costs £3 1/.