CUSTOMS CHARGES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XL, Issue 13258, 17 December 1913, Page 9

CUSTOMS CHARGES.

FALSE DECLARATIONS. (Per Press Association.) ! ' AUCKLAND, last night. ? The prosecution of Lionel Cohen by 'the Customs Department was heard m the Police Court by Mr. Frazer, S.M., to-day. Defendant pleaded guilty to two charges brought against him. . Tlie first was that on December 3, when landing from the Maheno, he declared that he v had no dutiable goods m his luggage or on his person, whereas a search revealed that he brought ashore five gold bracelets, one rolled gold watch, and one pair of earrings, valued at £39 ; and the second was* that on December 9 he made a- false declaration that certain watches were valued at £33 15s, when tlie amount should have been' £11 or £12 larger. "The whole of the circumstances are suspicious," said Mr Fraser. "The story as to why the articles were placed m various parts of the bag was rather far-fetched." He did not see how he could be expected to believe the explanation that had been offered m the statement. With regard to the false declaration, there might be an element of truth. He would regard it as a ' first offence on that charge, and the fine would be £I^o. nnd he would reduce it to £25 u;;.;.i nation 202. On the other charge a fine of £100 and eost<! would be imposed. mmmmmmammmmmw—mm