FINED A HUNDRED POUNDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14144, 20 August 1909, Page 5

FINED A HUNDRED POUNDS.

SMUGGLING OF OPIUM.

CASES WITH FALSE BOTTOMS.

f B y TELEGKArH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Thursday. \< the result of the Customs search through the poods of a. commercial traveller who arrived by the 5.6. Moerafei on Wednesday, W. Alfred Masters was charged at the Magistrate's Court to-day with importing into New Zealand opium in a form suitable for smoking, to wit, 100 tins, valued at £300, contrary to section 2, subsection 1, of the Opium Act, 1908. \ Defendant, who had been out on bail, pleaded guilty, and was not represented by counsel. Mr. C. S. Nixon, Collector of Customs, stated that the offence was a serious one, "and was regarded, as such by the Legislature, for the Act provided for a fine not exceeding £500 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months. Defendant was a. commercial traveller, represent,ing fomo New York firms of hatmakere. '.The opium was found in two sample cases which had been fitted with false bottoms. When asked by His Worship if he. had any excuse to make, defendant replied, '"No, I am at the mercy of the Court."

His Worship, addressing defendant, said he did not know whether he (defendant) was acquainted with the Opium Act, but if ho dealt in opium it was his duty to be so acquainted. The penalties provided were heavy ones, and it was clear from the wording of the sections thai:, the Legislature looked on the offence as serious. Defendant would be convicted and lined £100 and cost* 7s, ill default two months' imprisonment.