DEFRAUDING THE CUSTOMS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12204, 26 May 1905, Page 5

DEFRAUDING THE CUSTOMS.

VERDICT IN THE FISH CASES. United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. (Received May 25th, 11.25 p.m.) MELBOURNE, May 25.

In the fish cases the jury found that the usage of the trade was to accept the weights on boxes of blue cod, that the weight stated in certain Customs entries was below such reported weights, that defendant Allen or his agent made a false statement in Customs entries as to weights, and thus evaded payment of duty, and that these aots were committed with intent to defraud the revenue, and Crockett, who managed defendant's business, acted for defendant's benefit. Mr Justice O'Connor, in summing up, pointed out that Crockett, whom Allen said was responsible in the matter, left for New Zealand immediately after the Customs commenced the inquiry, Allen advancing him money, and that Crockett was not called as a witness for the defence before the commission held in New Zealand. In delivering judgment, he said that altogether there were 33 offences, in 12 of whioh the element of fraud was not involved. The penalty in respect to these would be £5 in each case. In the other 21, where fraud was involved, the penalty would be £7 in each. He directed a verdict to be entered for plaintiff with regard to each offenoe with costs, reserving the points raised as to the King being the proper plaintiff, and the alleged constitutional illegality of all but tho 1 taxation clauses of the Customs Act.