CHINESE LAUNDRYMAN FINED

Southland Times, Issue 24655, 29 January 1942, Page 3

CHINESE LAUNDRYMAN FINED

CIGARETTES SOLD ABOVE FIXED PRICE

A Chinese laundryman, Kwong Chong, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday before Mr R. C. Abernethy, S.M., with selling three tins of 30 cigarettes after September 1, 1939, at 2/- a tin, thereby exceeding the standard price. Mr H. K. Carswell, who appeared for the prosecution, said that three tins of 30 cigarettes were sold by the defendant to a Mr Hodge at 2/- a tin. Hodge complained about the price and when he returned to the shop accompanied by the inspector of factories the defendant offered to refund the excessive amount.

Mr J. C. Prain, who appeared for the defendant, said that Kwong Chong knew the price had been 1/6 and had been increased later to 1/9. The defendant had purchased the three tins of cigarettes from a dealer at 1/9 for a special customer. Hodge insisted on buying the cigarettes and had offered 2/- a tin for them. He had not questioned the price. “It has taken a long time for this case to reach the Court. The complaint was made by Hodge on June 20, 1941, and the prosecution was put through on November 20,” said the Magistrate. He would treat the case as a warning. The defendant was convicted and fined £2 with 10/— costs and solicitor’s fee £1 11/6.