BREACH OF CUSTOMS ACT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15032, 4 January 1911, Page 5

BREACH OF CUSTOMS ACT.

BREAKING SHIP'S SEAL,

(Per United Pbess Association.)

AUCKLAND, January 2. A breach of the Customs Act, .committed by Captain W. E. Oliver, of the steamer Houto, occupied the attention of the Police Court to-day. Captain Oliver was charged that, having on board his vessel stores under seal, he broke the seal and removed certain articles. ]!<> pleaded guilty. Mr Hidings, collector of Customs, slated that the breach was a very serious one. The goods had been placed under seal when the Houto left :Lyttelton ' for Whangape, and several days after the steamer arrived at Whangape the local constable, who nJso represented tho Customs, found the seal broken and several Dottles of whisky missing. Oliver was liable .to a fine of £100, but consideringthat the duty on the goods was small Mr Eidings suggested that the penalty should bo reduced to one-fourth. Captain Oliver stated that a Customs representative was present when the sealwas broken, and that- he helped to drink the whisky. "In fact," added the captain, " he drank so much whisky that );e fell down on the wharf.

Mr Eidings 6aid this wa6 a charge against an officer, and it would bo investigated by tho Customs authorities. The Bench adopted the suggestion of Mr Eidings, and inflicted a penalty or £25 and casts (£7).