NAVIGATION AT NIGHT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 16

NAVIGATION AT NIGHT.

LAUNCH-OWNER FINED,' NO LIGHTS DISPLAYED. Tho clanger of small craft having no lights at night was emphasised by Mr. F. If. Hunt, S.M., in tho Polico Court yesterday, when 11. L. Morrison was prosecuted by tho Auckland Harbour Board (Mr. Gray), for navigating a launch without proper lights. Mr. Gray said tho vehicular ferry vessel Eaglehawk, in charge of Captain Webb, left Mechanics' Bay for_ Devonport at eleven o'clock on tho night of October 22. He stood well across the harbour to take advantage of tho tide. When near Calliope Dock ho saw something in tho water ahead of him. The night was particularly dark, and when tho ferry's engines were put hard astern defendant's launch shot across tho bow., only a few yards away. Several passengers on tho ferry were considerably perturbed, and defendant was lucky to havo escaped. "I have been asked by the Harbour Board lo draw attention to tho very serious nature of this offence," Mr. Gray said. "It is ono that frequently occurs, and (lie board desires that an example should be made of this man. Tho maximum fine is £100." Defendant said there had been a temporary failure of his lighting plant just prior to tho incident. Reforo going below to adjust it he looked around for approaching vessels, but could seo none. It was very difficult to pick anything up near the city owing to the glare from the railway yard floodlights. His launch was used for trading purposes. "You are using your launch for trading and yet you have lights on it liable to go out like that, and you had nothing to put up instantly," the magistrate said. Ho added that tho offence was serious, and small craft without lights constituted a severe danger. Accused was fined £2, with costs £3.