ILLICIT PROFIT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21802, 27 August 1945, Page 4

ILLICIT PROFIT

DEAL IN POTATOES OLD SOLD AS NEW (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Aug. 25. An order that he should pay into the war expenses account the whole of his illicit profit, amounting to £376, was made against Douglas Needham by Mr. J. Morling, S.M.. in a reserved decision. The defendant had pleaded guilty to a charge of selling 3:\ tons of main crop potatoes to Turners and Growers, Limited, for £403 8s Gd, the authorised price being £32 ss. “The defendant had employed some workers to wash the potatoes carefully so as to present the appearance of new potatoes,” said the magistrate. “Ke sold them as such, but the evidence clearly shows that in fact they were old potatoes. "After careful consideration i am unable to find any valid reason why he should retain any portion of his illicit profit.” It could be said in the defendant's favour that he was straightforward when interviewed by an officer from the department regarding the sale, added Mr. Morling. He did not by false evidence endeavour to hide the fact that he had with full knowledge of the legal position acted wrongly. Those factors, however, did not affect the question of forfeiture of profit to which he was not entitled, and the money would have to be paid _ into the war expenses account as provided under the relevant section.

The defendant was fined £5 for the actual offence and ordered to pay costs. The magistrate said that the offence was the first of its kind as far as he was aware, and heavier penalties probably would be imposed in the future.