UNREGISTERED FIREARM.

Thames Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17418, 5 September 1928, Page 4

UNREGISTERED FIREARM.

A DANGEROUS WEAPON. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WHANGAREI, Sept. 5. Possession of an unregistered firearm by Frank James Arthur Duke led to his appearance in the Police Court on his 21st. birthday. Pie was charged with being in possession of an . unregistered firearm, and with having- failed to apply for registration of a firearm. The weapon in ciuestion was rather formidable, and according- to Serfcor-Sergt. O'Qrady, a dangerous instrument. It was a pea-rifle which had been cut down to a nine-inch barrel, and the stock removed so that it would fit in a pocket. Duke pleaded guilty to both charges. .according to the senior sergeant, discovery of the weapon was made owing to a statement by accused when the premises of his employer, Air Hapseng, had been entered. Accused had then stated that he had been on the premises at the- time. As Duke was on probation the curiosity of the constable was aroused and the discovery was made. Accused woud not tell the police how he came to have a weapon in his possession, but on being questioned by the magistrate, said he got it from a man at Waiwera whom he did not know. - Counsel for accused urged that no good purpose would be served by committing Duke to prison. The outstanding fact was that he was not in possession of ammunition which would fit the weapon.

His Worship pointed out the seriousness of the offence, and decided to inflict a fin e of £3 with costs 10/- on the first charge, and entered a conviction on the second charge with costs 10/-, the weapon to be handed over to the police for the purpose of destruction.