FINE OF £4OO

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24280, 10 June 1944, Page 6

FINE OF £4OO

ALIEN’S PURCHASE OF PROPERTY (P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 9

In the first case of the kind in New Zealand, Helen Baldwin, aged 57, appeared before Mr J H. Luxford, S.M., to-day, charged that being an enemy alien, with intent to deceive, she made a misleading statement for the purpose of the Aliens Land Purchase Regulations, 1942. She was represented by Mr K. Johnston. She pleaded guilty. Detective-Sergeant Aplin stated that in January, 1944, Hit* defendant made application through her solicitor for the iviinider’a consent to purchase a properly in Grafton road. When seen by a police officer about the application she said she had not acquired any property since the Aliens Land Purchase Regulations came into force in 1942. Further police inquiries showed she had purchased property in Auckland for £1350.. She later disposed of the property at a profit of £3OO.

The Magistrate described it as a very impudent offence and said it was clear the Court must deprive the defendant of any profit from the transaction. He imposed a fine of £4OO and ordered immediate payment, in default three months’ imprisonment.

Counsel said an appeal against the sentence would be lodged.