A FARCICIAL PROSECUTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 27

A FARCICIAL PROSECUTION.

CHARGES UNDER THE ARMS ACT. AUCKLAND, September 3. Described by the police as a member of the Williamson Comic Opera Company, at present appearing in Auckland, James W. Hilford appeared before the Police Court this morning on t\yo charges under the Arms Act. He was charged with bringing two shotguns into New Zealand without having fim obtained permits, and pleaded not guilty. Constable Doel, of the Arms Office at the police station, Auckland, said that defendant arrived from Sydney by the Ulimaroa at Wellington. Immediately on arrival there he declared two shotguns to the Customs officers. He then came to Auckland, and on opening up his luggage took both guns down and deposited them with the Customs here. Mr F. K. Hunt: Well, what’s wrong with that? What has this man done? He arrives at Wellington and declares two guns, which he places with the Customs here. The charges should never have been brought. Why were they brought? Constable Doel: That has nothing to do with me, sir. Senior Sergeant Edwards: Defendant is charged on instructions from our superior officers. Mr Hunt: It’s a big farce. Without hearing anything further, the Magistrate turned to defendant and said, ‘‘You can go away now. The charges are dismissed.”