A THIN STORY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20330, 11 February 1928, Page 6

A THIN STORY.

OPIUM IN LAUNDRY PARCEL. DISBELIEVED BY MAGISTRATE. (Special to Daxlv Times.) AUCKLAND, February 10. A Chinese story that opium had come to a laundry in a parcel of washing in fortuitous fashion was not believed by Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Police Coart to-day. The tale was told when a Chinese named Hum pleaded not guiltv to a charge of having opium in his possession. The prosecution was brougnt under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1927. Hum was at one time a missionary, but for the past 40 years he has had a laundry in Hobson street. Detective Nalder said that he found four tins of opium under the counter in the laundry. Seamen brought the drug to the laundry and were then placed m touch with prospective purchasers. Hum said that a seaman who was fined (ast week had brought washing to the laundry, and the opium was found in the arce). He told the police who had left the parcel, and rang up the police when ths seamen returned. The Magistrate: That story’s far too thin. I think the place was a depot for opium trading. Hum was fined £25, in default thvr.a months’ imprisonment. Mr J. S. Dickson (Hum’s counsel): That’s the result of helping the police Chief Detective Hammond; Helping the police I Ah!