“DELIBERATE FRAUD"

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10956, 19 July 1921, Page 6

“DELIBERATE FRAUD "

MERCHANT IN COURT SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST AN AUCKLAND FIRM. A “SENTIMENTAL” VALUE: Two charges of smuggling, and four charges of having made false declagations, were preferred against Alexander Butler, an Auckland business, man iry Customs Officer Ridings at the City Police Court (writes the “Times” sfecial correspondent), when Mr Poynton, S.M.,'imposed heavy penalties. The prosecuting officer stated that on February 25th last, Butler imported 20 packages of goods from. Sydney; on 30th ho imported one oane; on April 13th he imported a further 17 cases. The total value of these goods was, as for as known, £340. On each occasion of these importations he made what is known as a baggage declaration, in which he swore that tho goods were his personal household effects and not intended for other persons or for sale. ,His first shipment got through rather easily. He signed the declaration, and they were delivered without further question. The same happened regarding the next lot; but on the third shipment arriving a few oases were opened and found to contain old earthenware and antiques of various sorts. A PLAUSIBLE TALE. He was closely questioned, but told such a plausible story that the goods were again, delivered. He said that his people .had lived in Australia for many years, and that he had but lately arrived in New Zealand to permanently reside here; that the collection of antique china had been gathered -by. his father, who had recently died and left it to him. Therefore, he -maid, he brought the stuff over here because ho placed a great “sentimental” value on it. A few days later, howeveV, suspicions were aroused, and it was found, on inquiry at the Town Hall, that Butler, instead of being a recent arrival, had held a second-hand dealer’s license for the past four years, ,and that he had g flourishing dealer’s business and art depot in Karangahape road. Detectives Knight and Lambert took the' matter up and interviewed Butler, who made a clean breast of everything Accused admitted having been in New Zealand for a number of years, and that his parents were living in London ■and carrying on a similar business. In November of last year he went-to Sydney and returned in January. Whilst' awayNfcie purchased antiques and china for hia Auckland business. After that, he sent his wife across to buy. Mr Hall Skelton (for accused): Yes; ■but duty was paid on what his \vifo brought over. . HEAVY PENALTY PRESSED FDR.! • The value of the goods, continued Mr Ridings, was £340. They were • all liable to forfeiture, but liad all been said witli the exception of £4O worth. He pressed for a heavy penalty. Mr Hall Skelton said his client was first under the impression that he need; not have to, pay duty on second-hand" goods. Then when he found he had made a mistake he sought to get out of trouble by telling the fairy tale, about his father having gone to join the angels. Duty had been paid in several subsequently importations. He asked that a penalty be not imposed that would rum Butler.

Mr Ridings: He has the largest business of the kind in Auckland, and a& for being in poor be has just sent liis- wife on a trip to England. , * . ' ' Mr Poyjitonj S.M.’’ said it was a case of deliberate fraud on the part of the accused, whormhe fined £IOO on each of the charges of smuggling, and £lO for each false declaration, making a total of £240.