DEFRAUDING THE CUSTOMS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8697, 16 December 1899, Page 2

DEFRAUDING THE CUSTOMS.

(Per Press Assfioiation.) Dunbdin, yesterday. At the Police Court Thomas Turnbull McAllister, of Tapanui, was charged with being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of Customs on certain goods. He pleaded guilty. Mr J. F. M. Fraser represented the Collector of Customs. He said he would state the circumstances fully, as it. was a case that should have the fullest publicity. There was a firm that carried on business with Australasia, called the United Watoh and Jewellery Company, Ltd , with which was amalgamated the Morse Manufacturing Company. The firm issued a large catalogue, which stated their prices were wholesale, and that they sold for cauli only. Defendant sent several orders for goods, and amongst others was an order in respect to which the information was laid. The practice of (his firm was to initiate a system of fraud on the Customs. They acknowledged the draft sent forward for goods, and sent an invoice with the goods. The invoice was about 50 per cent, less than tiie sum paid. Their practice was to coolly inform the customer that they enclosed in the goods an invoice showing the net total of pounds, whioh they said would be the means of minimising the amount of duty that would havo to be paid on delivery of goods. They initiated a system of fraud th mselves, and Dractically corrupted the customer, aurt they defrauded the revenue, it was as barefaced and rascally a piece of imposition, as it was possible to conceive, and he did not think after this case the firm would be able to continue their nefarious practices. The Stipendiary Magistrate imposed the full penalty of £100 with costs, and said be would leave it with the Minister to reduce the penalty if he thought fit.