Marine Department v Skeggs Foods International Ltd - [1974] 2 NZLR 648

Statutes — Criminal and penal statutes — Construction — Whether offence of absolute liability.

Shipping and navigation — General statutory provisions for safety of ship — Fishing boat proceeding to sea not provided with a duly certified master — "If, in the case of any ship, there is failure to comply . . . the owner . . . shall be deemed to commit an offence" — Offence of absolute liability — Shipping and Seamen Act 1952, s 17.