CUSTOMS PROSECUTION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1367, 12 May 1898, Page 30

CUSTOMS PROSECUTION.

A Customs case was investigated by Mr Haselden, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court Tuesday. James Richardson, an engineer on the steamer Star of England, lying at Wellington, was charged that on Monday be (1) brought into the colony certain goods the importation of which is restricted, namely, one box of 100 cigars and two bottles of Florida water, (2) unshipped the same goods without the payment of duty for them, and (3) unshipped the same goods contrary to prohibition. The information was laid under section 210 of the Customs Laws Consolidation Act, 1882. Cinder section 66 cigars and Florida water are not allowed to be landed in packages of less than a certain size. Mr Myers appeared for the Commissioner of Trade and Customs, and Mr Izard for the defendant. After evidence had been given for the prosecution, a letter written by the defendant was handed up to the Bench. In this the defendant said he bought the cigars and Florida water at Las Palmas. He had been away from New Zealand for two years. The first thing he did on coming ashore here was to go to an office with " Customs" printed over the door, but he could not find the officers. He had to go to the head of the wharf before he saw a constable. The price paid for the articles was 7s 6d for the cigars and 3s for the scent. He was ignorant of the Customs' regulations. In reply to Mr Myers, the defendant said he waited in the Customs office for two or three minutes. He would have waited longer had he not been anxious to see his mother. Mr Haselden said he thought that if the defendant had got past the barrier at the foot of the wharf he would not have troubled about tho Customs. There must be a conviction and an order to pay treble value of the goods, duty paid. The defendant got off rather lightly. Possibly by application to the Government he might get some remission, though he (Mr Haselden) did not say he would recommend any. The defendant was fined .£4 163, with 7s costs of Court, and «£! Is counsel's fee.