EXPORT OF GOLD

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 221, 1 September 1932, Page 7

EXPORT OF GOLD

EVASION OF DUTY TWO MEN PLEAD GUILTY. MINIMUM FINE OF £25. By Telegraph—Press Association Auckland, Sept. 1. Percy John Wince, aged 36, ship's steward, who was extradited from Sydney, and George Washington, a gold buyer, appeared in the Police Court charged with illegally exporting coined gold and with being concerned in the export of gold liable for duty, with intent to defraud His Majesty. Both pleaded guilty to the second charge. Counsel for Wince said that the duty involved amounted to only £3 15/-. Wince had been detained for 16 days in prison. Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., fined him the minimum, £25, and costs £2 12/-, and remarked that no doubt the first charge, which was an indictable one, would not be proceeded with, as otherwise Wince would be punished twice for the same offence. “Where is the gold now?” asked Mr. Hunt. The Crown Solicitor said that the New South Wales Government had it. Counsel for Washington said that the latter took the whole blame for Wince, whom he induced to take the gold to Sydney. Washington would have to pa Wince’s fine, too. Counsel added that the gold had been automatically forfeited. Washington was fined £25 and both men Were remanded for one week on the first charge and ordered to report to the police daily.