“LISTENING IN”

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 155, 27 March 1926, Page 10

“LISTENING IN”

A WARNING PROSECUTION

“This prosecution is the result of various inquiries being made by the Post and Telegraph Department,” remarked Sub-Inspector Harvey in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with reference to the appearance of four young men, Norman John Steele, John Williams, Walter Albert Greathead, and Joseph Aloysius Clarke on a charge of erecting their wireless sets without licenses.

“The Department does not press for a heavy penalty,” added the sub-in-spector', “but at the same time it would like the case brought under public notice so as to prevent people using sets without permits in future.” Mr. L. J. Maule, who appeared for Greathead, explained that his client was unaware that a license was necessary. He suggested that vendors be forced to explain the exact position to purchasers so that permits could be obtained in the proper fashion As all defendants were young, their ages being from 16 to 20, he asked that a conviction meet the case. Mr A. J. Mazengarb, who represented Clarke, said thht his, client did not know he had to have a ! license to “listen in.” As soon as he learnt that a permit was essential he dismantled his set. ~ . Mr. E. Page: The Act provides for a penalty up to £5OO for those who erect or construct sets without proper permits. However, the Department does not press for a heavy fine, and the offenders are only young. They will each be convicted and ordered to pay costs.