SOLICITOR'S MISTAKE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1578, 5 March 1919, Page 11

SOLICITOR'S MISTAKE.

UNIQUE COURT CASE. Press Association. AUCKLAND, March.s. A case was heard at Dargaville —the first of its kind in New Zealand —in Which Robert Ligatt, a farmer, sold land to two Dalmatians, acting, it was alleged, on the advice of G. H. Hayes, a solicitor, who was joined with the three others concerned in a prosecution under the War Regulations prohibiting the acquisition by an alien enemy of any interest in land, under penalty of £IOO, or three months' imprisonment. Counsel for the defence stated that the two Damnations acted in good faith, in ignorance of the law. Both had volunteered for active service, but were rejected, because they were not naturalised. Hayes pleaded ignorance of the War Regulations. The facts were admittedThe Magistrate three of the defendants acted reasonably, having consulted a solicitor. They were each convicted and ordered to pay costs 14/-. He admitted the difficulties caused by frequent changes in legislation. He did not think that Hayes acted with deliberate intent, and in view of the fact that the incidental expense must fall on him, he thought a line, of £5, with £l2 10/8 costs, would satisfy justice.