FISH SWINDLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1464, 26 May 1905, Page 2

FISH SWINDLE.

A SHARPER LET DOWN LIGHTLY

By, Electric Telegraph—Per Press Asso ci ati on, —Copyright. Received 11.25 p.m., May 25. Melbourne, May 25. In the fish cases the jury found that the usage* of the trade was to accept weights on the boxes of blue cod ; that the weight stated in certain customs entries was below such reported weights; that the defendant Allen or his agent made a false statement in customs entries as to the weight and thus avoided payment of duty. These act 3 were committed with intent to defraud the revenue, and Crockett, who managed defendant’s business, acted for defendant’s benefit. Mr Justioe O’Connor, in summing up, pointed out that Crookett, whom Allen 1 said was responsible for the matter, left for New Zealand immediately after the Customs commenced the Inquiry, Allen advancing him money ; nor was Crockett called as a witness for the defence before the Commission held in New Zealand. In delivering judgment he said there were altogether 33 offenoes. In 12 the element of fraud was not involved. The penalty In respect of these would be £5 in each case. In the other 21, where fraud was involved, the penalty would be £7 each. He directed that a verdict be entered for plaintiffs for each offence, with eost», reserving the points raised as to the King being the proper plaintiff, and the alleged constitutional illegality of all but the taxa- 1 tion olause of the Customs Act.