THE SIMBA SENSATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 192, 15 August 1931, Page 7

THE SIMBA SENSATION

VALUE OF RACEHORSE CALNAN AND GUEST FINED Received Aug. 14. 11.25 p.m. SYDNEY, Aug. 14. The charges against Calnan and. Guest arising out of the importation of the racehorse Simba Yvere heard to-day. Evidence was give" by Customs officers that Calnan, who t as described as a live-stock shipper, took delivery of Simba from the U’.imaroa last May, * saying that he intended to race Simba (at the pony meetings. When asked about its value for primage duty he •replied “About £150.” lie signed a letter to that effect. A Customs inves- • tigation officer later interviewed Calnan, when he admitted that the horso was not his and h - was merely acting for Joo Smith, pony trainer. Later again, at another interview, when Guest was present, Guest interposed, “Simba was consigned to Joe Smith Iby mistake. Mr Jamieson, of New Zealand, who bought this horse for me and who knew Smith used to train horses for me, was not aware that Smith had given up training and I forgot to tell him.” Customs Officer Bradley said that Guest told him that he did not want the fact known that Simba was worth a big price, as it would affect the betting market. He also feared that Calnan would get into the betting market ahead of him. Primage duty originally paid was £ll 14s lid, and since £7O 9s 10<l had been paid. After other evidence Calnan was fined £lOO, -with £7 4s 6d costs, in default imprisonment until .the fine is paid. Guest was fined £25. Each was allowed a month to pay the tines.