BAGS OF SUGAR SEIZED

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24269, 29 May 1944, Page 3

BAGS OF SUGAR SEIZED

MILK-BAR PROPRIETOR CHARGED RIGHTS OF INSPECTOR QUESTIONED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 26. The forceable opening of doors by officers of the Food Control Department and the seizure ol 14 701b bags of sugar, which had been transferred by a milk-bar proprietor from the business he had conducted at Petone to one he was starting in Wellington were described in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, four charges being laid. The defendant was Saphis Gerondis Decision was reserved. After counsel’s submission that the regulations did not cover three of the charges, the defendant pleaded guilty to one charge that, with intent to deceive, he had failed to disclose in an application to the rationing officer that he had sugar in stock. He pleaded not guilty to charges of transferring sugar from the premises in Petone to those in Wellington without authority or permit, of failing to permit an inspector to inspect his premises, and of obstructing an inspector. After the inspector had given evidence about gaining admission by breaking down a door, counsel put a number of questions relating to legal aspects of the case and' consequences of the inspector’s conduct. suggesting that he acted outside his rights and even that he was liable to action for trespass and claimed that the defendant was not inbusiness at Pelone at the time. The Magistrate (Mr W, P. Stilwell), announcing his intention to consider the matter further, said he would also wait concerning the question of a penalty in the charge to which the defendant had pleaded guilty.