THE DUERKOP CASE

Southland Times, Issue 17492, 22 April 1915, Page 7

THE DUERKOP CASE

ACCUSED PINED £IOO. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON. April 21. Wilhelm Heinrich Magnus Duorkop, who had been found guilty on four charges of trading with the enemy, canto before the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) to-day for sentence. Accused, in a short speech from the dock, expressed regret that his actions had been determined a breach of the law. When lie redirected the cargoes he was under the impression that lie was within his rights. He had given every assistant'" to tho proseeu t ion, and admitted tiiat Lite prosecution had given hint every assistance in preparing his defence. The Judge said that the ease was peculiar in that negotiations wore entered into before tHe war. The Jury did not allow any feeling or resentment to inlluence their verdict, and lie believed that it was tho only verdict that they honestly could have delivered. In view of the whole circumstances of the case lie would deal leniently with accused, although tho Government did right to prosecute, so as to show that trading with the enemy was a serious business. Accused was lined £IOO. in default three months' imprisonment.