RELEASE OF OIL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 247, 19 October 1936, Page 6

RELEASE OF OIL

SHIP'S MASTER FINED [Per I* res* Association | WELLINGTON, Oct. 16. Ihe release of a quantity of oil L-oni the Union SI cam Ship Company's freighter Waipiata, on October 5, resulted in the appearance in the Magistrate’s Court of William Whitefield, master of the ship. He was charged with allowing oil i to escape into the harbour contrary ! to the Oil in Territorial Waters Act, 1926. Mr. Stevenson, who appeared for the Harbour Board, said that on October 5 fuel oil was allowed to escape upon the wharf alongside which the ship was berthed and into the water. The captain reported the occurrence to the Harbour Board and said that steps were being taken to clean up the oil and prevent a further flow. The happening was caused by neglect of one of the engineers. “The board’s instructions are to proceed against the captain of any ship releasing oil in the Harbour,” said Mr. Stevenson. “Oil released in the harbour causes considerable harm, ruins beaches and has many other undesirable effects. In this case no damage was done and the oii was quickly cleaned up.’’ Mr. J. White, who appeared for Captain Whitefield, said that the captain had done his duty by the board and his employers in reporting the matter promptly, and in attending to the removal of the oil he had answered for the delinquencies of his staff. This case was very different from the last, in which a £5O fine was imposed, said the magistrate, Mr. Luxford. Captain Whitefield was fined £5 and ordered to pay costs.