HEAVILY FINED

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11583, 28 July 1923, Page 5

HEAVILY FINED

SALE OF EXPLOSIVES

“ARMS ACT A CAUSE OF PINPiRICKING.” SAFETY FROM DESPERADOES. Per Press Association. AUGKLAjND, July 27. E. Porter and Company, said to be the largest firm in the Dominion dealing in uie sale of explosives, was fined ±;io0 at the Police Court for explosives without a permit.. Thirtythree charge* were preferred, and defendants were convicted on each and ordered to pay costs. Btnior-iSei geant itawle said the manager could oner no excuse except that a purchaser sometimes stated that a permit was following. The manager stated that the Arms Act was a cause of pin-pricking. They had seen fit to ignore the law. In an endeavour to have the prosecutions upset, he had written to the Minister to have the Act amended, but the endeavour was fruitless For the defence it was stated that only two firms were supplied. They did not hold traders’ permits. They thought they could buy and sell goods to each other with immunity. The rules and regulations of the Government and local authorities were so many that they did not know which way to turn. The magistrate thought it very necessary to comply with the law, as supervision was essential on sales of explosives to ensure the public safety from certain gangs who might procure explosives and blow up public buildings. Tlie Act should not he modified ; if anything it should he made more stringent.