UNCUSTOMED WHISKY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14568, 3 January 1911, Page 5

UNCUSTOMED WHISKY.

'»:'. A SHIPMASTER FINED.

- .. ACCUSES CUSTOMS OFFICER.

A breach of the Customs Act/committed 'by Captain W. E. Oliver, of the steamer > Houto, : occupied the .'' attention of Messrs. J. Ziman and 3.V. Becroft, J.P.'s, at the Police Court yesterday morning. Oliver was charged that, having on board his vessel . stores under seal, he broke the seal and removed certain articles. : He pleaded guilty. Mr.. A. P. Ridings, Collector of Customs, appeared on behalf of the Customs -Department. • ; - '• Mr. Ridings stated. that the breach was a very serious ' one. The goods had been ':' placed under, seal when .the Houto left for'Whangape, and several days, after the steamer arrived at Whangape,. the local -- constable, who also represented the Customs, found the seal broken and several bottles of whisky missing. •; Oliver was liable to a fine of £100, but considering that the duty on the goods was email, Mr. Ridings suggested that the penalty should be reduced to one-fourth. : ;■-; ■-'- '

/.;• Captain Oliver, stated that a Customs' representative was present when the seal was broken, and that he helped to • drink the' whisky. , ."In fact,'' added the captain, "he drank'so much whisky that he fell down on the wharf."

. Mr. Ridings "said this was a charge against an officer, and it would be investigated by. the Customs authorities.

iThe 'Bench adopted the- suggestion of Mr. Ridings and i" inflicted a penalty of £25, and costs £7. ..