XN000022-1973-07-06 — Page 14

+

13

Friday, July 6, 1973

FINES FOR HARBOUR OBSTRUCTION

A Central Magistrate has warned that he may impose heavier fines

on masters of vessels who are found guilty of obstructing the fairways in

Aberdeen harbour.

. The warning was given by Mr. P.M. Corfe in Central Magistracy

yesterday (Thursday) when he fined a fisherman $300 for obstructing the

passage of other vessels in Aberdeen typhoon shelter on May 21,

.

In passing sentence, Mr. Corfe inquired whether the Marine Department

gave warnings to the fishing population as to the seriousness of the offence

and the probable fines.

A Marine Department Officer advised Mr. Corfe that reference to

these offences were issued through the news media and through the fishermen's

broadcast service of Radic Hong Kong.

Staff of the department also gave on the spot advice and distributed

appropriate literature with charts indicating areas prohibited for berthing.

In a similar case earlier this week, Mr. Corfe had draw the defendant's

attention to the seriousness of the offence and of the problems created for

the department in exercising control in Aberdeen harbour.

He pointed out that any obstruction of the fairways during the

typhoon season would reduce manoeuvring space for vessels secking shelter

aa well as increase fire risks.

/14