SMUGGLED TROUSSEAU

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21993, 30 June 1933, Page 8

SMUGGLED TROUSSEAU

GARMENTS AROUND WAISTS BRIDE AND FRIENDS FINED. It was revealed in a smuggling case at Dover a few weeks ago that the wedding trousseau of an Iraq woman on her way to England to marry an Englishman was found round the waists of four passengers. A fine of £250 and £4 4s costs was imposed on Mrs Menzi Somekh, Mr Khandhuri Barokh Schova, and Miss Rosa Hisquail Ezra Somekh, who gave addresses at a West End Hotel, in London, on a charge-of illegally importing 36 articles, nearly all silk garments, with intent to defraud the Customs of duty. Mrs Somekh was also summoned in respect of garments found on her 12-year-old son. It was stated that the articles, which were worth £IOB, comprised silk dresses, silk nightdresses, princess slips, and satin gowns. On reaching Dover from Calais by the steamer Canterbury the accused declared only a small bottle of eau-de-Cologne. Their baggage was examined. In a suitcase were found five dresses. Schova, who appeared to be bulky around the waist, was searched in a private room and dresses were found on him. Asked why he did not declare the articles, he was alleged to have said:, “ We did not want to pay the duty.” For the defence it was explained that Miss Somekh, who was on her way to England to be married, did not know the articles were dutiable. As they were not English they did not understand. A fortnight was allowed for payment of the fine.