EXPENSIVE OYSTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 86, 13 April 1896, Page 4

EXPENSIVE OYSTERS.

YACHT ANTELOPfc/ FORFEITED.

A FINE INFLICTED,

At fche Police Courb to-day, before Meears VV. H. Shakspear and J. McLachlan, J.P.s, James McDonald and William Neleon were each charged with having, on the 6th April, hurl in their possession seven half eaeks of rock oysters ; also with having on ttya 6th April, ab Long Bay, unlawfully taken seven half eacks rock oysters. Mr Cottor appeared for the accused, and Mr McMiater, on behalf of the Crown Solicibor, for the prosecution.

The two accused pleaded cuilby to both chargp.a. In speaking on behalf of bhe accused, Mr Cobtor poinbed oub that bhe oysb'ors^in question were found on the yachb Amelope, which therefore had been forfe'fted by the Crown. As the yachb was worth about £100, he thought bhe accused had been amply punished.

Mr McAlistor said the forfeiture of the yachb was not a question for the Court bo coniiider. Thab waa a matter between the accused and the Government. Further, it was not" absolute, for the yacht might be given back again. He might also say bhab this yacht Antelope had boon a oonfcinnal nuisance to the Customs Office.

Each accused was fined £5 with soets for taking the oysters. The other charpe was withdrawn: Ab the euggehbion of Mr Cotter, the Bench agreed do recommend to the Minister that the yacht be returned.