BIRDS IN SHIRT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22775, 8 July 1937, Page 16

BIRDS IN SHIRT

SMUGGLED FROM SHIP NO IMPORT PERMITS TWO MEN PROSECUTED The seriousness of introducing into the Dominion from overseas countries birds that had not passed a veterinary test for disease was stressed by Mr. 11. Meredith in the Police Court yesterday, when prosecuting two men on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs for alleged breaches of the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22. George Hardy (Mr, Wily) pleaded guilty to charges of importing or introducing budgerigars into New Zealand and of having budgerigars in his possession without the consent of the Minister of Internal Affairs. A plea of not guilty was entered by Clifford Kerr, a ship's butcher (Mr. Dickson), to a charge of aiding Hardy in importing budgerigars contrary to the Act. Mr. Meredith said budgerigars were members of the parrot family and there was a danger of introducing disease. It was suggested that Hardy anticipated some difficulty in getting permits for the birds and had got Kerr to bring them from Australia in the Awatea. Hardy smuggled the birds, ashore, but was accosted by a customs official as he was getting into his car. A search revealed that he had six birds hidden in his shirt. Hardy subsequently made a statement admitting the offence. After Hardy had boon accosted, suspicion fell upon Kerr, who was employed as a butcher on the Awatea, and a search of his cabin resulted in eight birds being found, said counsel. Mr. Wily said Hardy had not realised the serious consequences of not obtaining a permit. He had lost the birds and the £24 he had paid for them. The magistrate, Mr. W. P. McKean, said Hardy was liable to a heavy fine. It was the first time he had heard of a prosecution for imjjorting birds in this way, however. Defendant would be fined £3 on tho first charge and £2 on the second.

A request that defendant's name should bo suppressed was not acceded to. Mr. Dickson said Kerr was in no way interested in the birds, financially or otherwise. Kerr was fined £2.