Magistrates Questions To Radio Inspector

Northern Advocate, 12 August 1948, Page 4

Magistrates Questions To Radio Inspector

KAIKOHE, Thu. (Sp.).—Some pertinent questions were put by Mr W. C. Harley, S.M., to a Post and Telegraph Department radio-licensing inspector, Mr Allcox, in Kaikohe yesterday. Wiremu Te Haara, of Ngawha, was being prosecuted tor having operated an unlicensed radio receiving station m his home.

For accused, Mr A. Borrows pleaded guilty and said that the set had always been licensed until it went wrong at the end of last year. The owner had then considered that, since it was useless to him, he need not pay for a licence. He had not notified the department and it was admitted that, technically, he was in the wrong since the department made it plain that the onus was on the owner of a radio receiving set to do so.

“Why?” asked the magistrate. Mr Borrows said there seemed to be no doubt on that point. “Surely,” said Mr Harley, “I can have a radio set without having to license it, so long as I do not operate, j “What is to stop me having a dozen radios in my cupboafd? “I don’t have to tell the department about it.’’ j

When Mr Allcox was called to the witness-box he stated that in his opinion the set had been in a condition in which it was capable of receiving wireless telegraphic signals, being therefore subject to licence. It was not dismantled.

That was on May 21, when he had called. Accused had received reminders from the department in January and February. Mr Harley: Did you see the set working?—No, sir. j Did you operate it yourself?—No ■ sir. *

“Thank you, Mr Allcox,” he said, adding: “However, he has pleaded guilty and admits the offence. It will cost him a 10/- fine.” Court costs were also 10/-.