POLICE COURT NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16581, 3 July 1917, Page 6

POLICE COURT NEWS.

SHIPPING COMPANY FINED.

The Northern Steamship Company was charged in the Police Court yesterday before Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., with allowing the steamer Gael to proceed to sea with more passengers than was allowed under her certificate. Mr. Clayton, for defendant _ company, pleaded guilty. Mr. Selwyn Mays, for the Collector of Customs, said on the date in question it had been intended "to despatch the Waiotahi to the Great Barrier, but as sufficient passengers were not offering, tha Gael was substituted. The Gael's ordinaiy capacity was 20 passengers, and 25| lares were sold. If the vessel travelled in daylight she was entitled to carry 25 passengers, but she left at midnight, and the river limit line was crossed during the night. The manager had stated that the captain was instructed to wait for daylight before crossing the line, but apparently he could not wait. Unfortunately for the company, one of the excess passengers was a Customs officer. Counsel said that the Gael was substituted because it was found that the screw of the Waiotahi was loose. He added that the Gael carried ample life-saving gear. His Worship, in imposing a fine of £2 and 28s costs, said the fares could be averaged at £1 per head, and ordered the company to pay an additional £5 15s, adding that .the penalty must be made sufficiently high to make it unprofitable to break the law. j__ BREACHES OF BY-LAWS. For leaving his cart without the wheel being chained John Hilland was fined 5s and 7s costs. For allowing their horses to be at large in the street John Broady was fined 5s and 7s costs, and Robert Mills was ordered to pay 7s costs. A fine of 5s and 7s costs was imposed upon Frederick Beazley for having his cart inadequately lighted. _ Benjamin J. Taylor admitted purchasing a motor-car without notifying the registering authority, and also leaving it unattended in Bellwood Avenue, Mount Eden for 40 minutes, and Mrs. Mary McHugh admitted selling the iar without notifying the registering authority. SubInspector Broberg said the car was left outside a revivalist meeting, and inquiries elicited that it was registered in the name of Mr. McHugh, who had been dead about two years. The car became Mrs Mc Hpgh s property, and she had sold it *° Mr - Taylor, neither party notifying the City Council of the transaction. On the first chare© Taylor was fined 5s and 7s costs, and on the second ordered to pay 9s costs. Mrs. McHugh was ordered to pay 9s costs. c MISCELLANEOUS. William Jamieson, a second offender for drunkenness, was convicted and discharged, and four first offenders were dealt with. Albert Fosse, who was found by night without lawful excuse in enclosed premises, was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called up L , n John F. Aitken was fined £2 .for using obscene language. For breaking the terms of his prohibition order Walter Humby was fined 10s and 7s costs.