SHORTAGE IN WEIGHT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 249, 20 October 1937, Page 12

SHORTAGE IN WEIGHT

BAGS OF COAL EMPLOYEE’S OMISSION On the information of Inspector Baker, at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, J. Byers, wood and coal dealer, was charged with on September 29 carrying for sale coal short of the quLntity purported to be sold or delivered to a customer. Inspector Baker stated that defendants truck was followed and the two sacks of coal in question were weighed, one scaling at 1791 b and the other at 1751 b. The total weight of the bags was 3481 b 12oz. The weight should have been 186 2-31 b, there being a shortage of 241 b 9oz. Mr. Horsley, for the defence, said that the weighing had been done by a young employee. The scales had been tested and showed that they weighed accurately, so that it was carelessness on the part of the employee, who had been dismissed. The magistrate, Mr. J. H. Salmon, said he wanted it to be understood in cases of this nature where there was any deliberate intent about the offences, the penalties would be heavy. In the present case he would accept the explanation and impose a penalty of £2, with costs 10s.