BUTCHERS FINED ON FRAUD CHARGES

Grey River Argus, 8 September 1948, Page 8

BUTCHERS FINED ON FRAUD CHARGES

P.A. DUNEDIN, September’ 6. Fines amounting to £37 10s were imposed on one butcher, Robert Jenkins Robertson, and amounting to £55 10s on a second butcher, John Jenkins Robertson, by Mr. J. D. Willis, S.M., after their conviction on charges brought by an officer of the Price Tribunal. R. J. Robertson pleaded guilty to two charges of tampering with a grade mark, two charges of committing breaches of price orders, and one charge of exposing for sale pork without a grade mark. , J. J. Robertson pleaded guilty to one charge of tampering with a grade mark, two of removing grade marks, three charges relating to breaches of price orders, and one of exposing pork without a grade mark. Mr. J. B. Stevenson, for defendants said: It must be interesting to the Court and to society to know why reputable people become offenders of the law. Because of maladjusted fixing of the retail price but not the Wholesale price, butchers have found it difficult to observe price control regulations and at the same time to “break even.” I ask the Court to accept the view that the breaches were induced by resentment against regulations which have been oppressive and are now the subject of an inquiry with the prospect of adjustments in prices and grading matters,” Mr. Stevenson added. Although counsel had fairly explained his clients’ position, there remained the commission of offences of dishonesty. said the Magistrate. “There has been perpetrated an act of fraud by tampering with a grade mark,” he added.