Port officer smuggled TV

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33941, 6 September 1975, Page 16

Port officer smuggled TV

(Neto Zealand Press Association) NAPIER, September 5. A traffic officer and special duties constable employed by the Hawke’s Bay Harbour Board at Napier was convicted on a charge of smuggling when the case was resumed in the Napier Magistrate’s Court today.

Donald Maurice Robson, aged 43, of Greenmeadows, had earlier denied a charge of smuggling a portable television set, worth $BO, from the Stella Prima. He also denied a charge of possessing uncustomed goods. After final submissions, Mr W. K. L. Dougall, S.M., adjourned for almost 30 minutes before giving his decision.

Mr A. K. Monagan, for

Robson, said his client had clearly acted unwisely but lack of wisdom did not constitute smuggling. Mr G. E. Bisson, for the Collector of Customs, said evidence given by an electrician employed on the wharf showed he would not touch anything off a ship. There was also evidence that no mention was made of the television set after it had been put in Robson’s car. The Magistrate said Robson was known to have an interest in buying a television set, and it was unlikely that he did not raise the subject. This was also evident from the fact that the chief engineer in the Stella Prima had offered the set to him. “He must have expressed a serious interest,” the Magistrate said. “It is impossible now to believe any other parts of Robson’s explanations.” It was only when he was told what the ship’s engineer had said that he admitted he was lying and admitted having the set, the Magistrate said. His questioning of problems with Customs when he was offered the set showed he knew it was a breach of the Customs Act. The Magistrate said he was aware that a conviction would mean the loss of Robsons’ employment and he would impose no penalty. Robson was ordered to pay $5 court costs and $157.10 solicitor’s fees. The charge of possessing uncustomed goods was withdrawn. Bowlins. —Officers elected at the annual meeting of the Christchurch Women’s Bowling Centre: president, Mrs L. J. Moyna; vice-president, Mrs R. Hobbs; secretary, Mrs V. Williams; treasurer. Mrs E. I. Merrett; delegate to the New Zealand association. Mrs E. Warren; match committee convener Mrs M. Squirrel!; selection committee convener, Mrs J. Ritchie; publicity officer, Mrs Moyna.