SMUGGLED OPIUM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 220, 16 September 1932, Page 3

SMUGGLED OPIUM.

POLICE ARREST TWO MEN. ONE ACCOSTED IN STREET. SEAMAN" FINED £123. ■For importing three tins of prepared opium into New Zealand, Clarence McGrath, aged 39, seaman, was fined £125, or six months' imprisonment, by Mr. F. K. Himt, S.M., in the Police Court this morning. Another man, Walter MatthewEdwards, aged 40, watch maker, who was also arrested by Detectives Nalder and Bowanan yesterday afternoon, wae charged with unlawfully having in hie possession three tins of prepared opium. Edwards pleaded guilty, but McGrath pleaded not guilty. The Collector of Customs, Mr. J. Mcliitosh, prosecuted. Detective Xalder said that in company with Detective Bowman he accosted Edwards in Hobeon Street yesterday afternoon. In consequence of what Edwards told witnese, he went with him to his shop at 60, Victoria Street. It was a repairing jeweller's shop, the rear portion being a hairdreesing ealoon, separated by a curtain. Detective Nalder said he saw McGrath in the hairdresser's ealoon and told him he had found three tins of opium in Edwards' possession and that Edwards stated he got the opium from McGrath. McGrath replied that he did not know anything about the opium. Hβ added that he was a seaman on the e.s. Karetu and had been eigned off on Monday last. The ship arrived from Sydney, via Suva, on that day.

Both McGrath and Edwards were taken to the detective office, where McGrath wae confronted with Edwards. Witness questioned Edwards, who said he was given the three tins of opium by McGrath to sell. McGrath replied: "I think he is making a mistake." Detective Nalder eaid tho tins of opium were Soz tine. Chinese Calls. Walter Edwards said that although he had known McGrath for some time he had only spoken to -him about three times. "MeGrath asked me if I had seen the Chinaman about this stutt, meaning the opium," added Edward*. "He eaid that when ho came into my shop yesterday about mid-day I told him I would see if I could tell him that lie was here. Later the Chinaman called, •but eaid he would be back about 3 p.m. McGrath again called and told me that he would be back at 3.15 p.m. The Chinaman bustled me to >go away with ■the stuff with him, and although I did not want to take the stuff away, I did ■so. After I left the shop I was met by two deteotivets, who asked me what I had in my pockets. I did not hesitate, and told them the truth and gave them the opium."

•Edwards, said McGrath told him when he brought the opium to the shop that he wanted £10 for it. Witness was to receive 5/ per tin for what he had done. Joseph de Silva, agent, of 60, Victoria Street, said he shared the shop with ■Edwards. Witness' hairdressing saloon was at the rear of Edwards' shop.- Witness identified McGrath as the man who came into the shop yesterday and spoke to witness. Witness also cut McGrath's hair. McGrath did not say why he was •waiting for Edwards. , Detective Bowman said he questioned Edwards as to what he had in his pockets. Edwards produced three tins of opium, and said McGrath had given them to him to sell. "I Know Nothing." McGrath, when asked if he desired to give evidence on oath, said he did not wish to do so. "I know nothing about this stuff at all," he told Mr. Hunt. "From 1 pun. to 2.45 p.m. I was in a hotel. I then went to get my hair cut, and while talking about races to De Silva the detectives came in and got me. That's all I know about it."

The magistrate said it was always difficult to accept a story told by an accomplice, but it was made easier in this case, because McGrath had not chosen to answer the allegations by giving evidence. McGrath was convicted. "What is known about him?" asked the magistrate. "This much is known," said Detective Sergeant McHugh. "As a result of information which the police received it was decided to watch McGrath yesterday, and he was caught. In spite of all the warnings given, and the heavy fines imposed in previous cases, these men are still bringing opium into the country. Those who import opium here for the unfortunates to smoke are the worst offenders." Mr. Hunt, said the penalty provided by the Act was a maximum of £500, with a minimum of £125. "Therefore the lowest penalty I can impose is £125," he said. "McGrath will be fined £125 or six months' imprisonment." Although no counsel appeared for McGrath during the hearing, counsel later applied for security for appeal to be fixed. This was fixed at £10 10/. Edwards was • fined £25, or one month's imprisonment, which was the minimum under the Act. He was allowed seven days in which to pay.