BREACHES OF CUSTOMS ACT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3109, 4 January 1911, Page 3

BREACHES OF CUSTOMS ACT.

ABSTRACTING GOODS UNDER HEAL. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND. Jan. 3. A breach of the Customs Act committed by Capt. V . E. Oliver, of the steamer Houto, occupied the attention of the Police Court yesterday. Oliver was charged that, having on hoard his vessel stores under seal, he broke the seal and removed certain articles. He pleaded guilty. Mr Ridings, Collector of Customs, stated that the breach was a very serious one. The goods had been placed under seal when the Houto left Lyttelton for Whan gape,. and several days after the local constable, who also re]> resented the Customs, ion ml the seal broken and several bottles of whisky missing. Oliver was liable to a line of -CIOO, hut considering that the -duty on the goods was small, Mr Ridings suggested that the penalty should ho reduced to one-fourth.. Captain Oliver stated that a Customs representative was present when the seal was broken, and that lie helped to drink the whisky. “In fact,” added the captain, “lie drank so much whiskv tlrt he fell down on the wharf.” Mr. Riding said this was a charge against an officer, and ;t would be investigated by the Customs authorities. The Bench adopted the suggestion of Mr Ridings, and'inflicted a, penalty of 1:25 •ami costs fl 7.