PURCHASE OF A RIFLE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 31 August 1929, Page 5

PURCHASE OF A RIFLE.

OBTAINED WITHOUT PERMIT. YOUTH’S UNWITTING- OFFENCE. An unwitting breach of the Arms Act, was • disclosed in the Manaia Court yesterday- when John Alexander Scott, of Haupolonui, was charged that, being a person other than a licensed dealer, he procured a rifle without a permit issued by the police! While visiting Christchurch in June, defendant purchased a rifle at an ironmongery shop,! said ISergeant J. Henry. Defendant was informed in the shop that it would be necessary to obtain a license to keep the weapon. On Ins return home he applied to the police and his offence in 'obtaining it without first securing the necessary permit was then disclosed. A heavy penalty was not sought, said the Sergeant. • The magistrate: What about the sellers? They appear to have been more to blame than the defendant. Sergeant Henry: They have been prosecuted, sir. Addressing defendant, the magistrate said he (would not inflict a fine as the offence had apparently been' committed unwittingly. He impressed on defendant, however, that if he wished to retain the rifle it was necessary to keep the police apprised of his whereabouts. Defendant was ordered to pay 10s costs.