ACTED IN ERROR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 181, 2 August 1941, Page 9

ACTED IN ERROR

ENEMY ALIEN'S OFFENCE ORDERED TO PAY COSTS A broken loud-speaker and other odd parts of a radio set, a camera and an old revolver figured as exhibits in the Police Court when Rudolf Ernst Belin, aged 20, an enemy alien, appeared before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., on summons, charged with a breach of the Aliens' Emergency Regulations, 1940. Belin was charged that, having been declared an enemy alien, he had in his possession or control on June 30, apparatus designed, or capable of being used for the reception of radio telephonic or radio telegraphic communication, a German plate camera and a .38 calibre Colt revolver without the written permission of a uegistration officer. Mr. Julius Hogben appeared for t Belin, who pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Bennett, in charge of the Aliens Office, said he had seen Belin on four occasions. On June 30, at the request of the police, Belin brought the articles mentioned in the charge to the police station. 1 Constable Clements produced a statement made by Belin in which he said he had kept the revolver since a neighbour gave it to him eight years ago. It was an old revolver and he had no ammunition for it. Belin added that he did not think it would be classed as a firearm as it could not be fired. Mr. Hogben submitted that the camera was the property of Belin's father, who was interned, and that Belin had never had the camera in, his possession or control. Counsel said the radio parts were useless junk and could not be capable of receiving broadcasts. The revolver: was a relic of the American War of Independence. "This young man was born in New Zealand and has never been out of it," said Mr. Hogben. "He has been extremely careful to comply in every way with the Aliens Emergency Regulations and has done everything possible in this regard. The camera was quite onenly displayed on a tripod in the house and the revolver has previously been examined by two detectives. The magistrate said he would accept counsel's explanation regarding the camera anq old revolver. "I think Belin misinterpreted the real position." said Mr. Hunt. "He was frank and candid and took the exhibits along to the police and what he did, I'm sure, was done in error.' Belin was convicted and ordered to pay costs 15/.