OBSTRUCTION CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1926, Page 3

OBSTRUCTION CHARGE

HUN rKOM CUSTOMS OI'FICEIt

[BY TELEGRAM —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, Sept. 7

A donkeyman employed on the AVainui, Arthur Edward McKenzie, was prosecuted by the Collector of Customs in the performance of his duty. Mr R. N. Moody appeared for MacKenzie, who pleaded not guilty. Norman Clanfield, Customs Officer, said lie was oil duty on one of the wharves when he observed McKenzie carrying an overcoat over his arm. The coat contained something bulky, so witness accosted him. Witness felt something solid inside the overcoat, and lie questioned the defendant about it. MncKenzie then ran away across the old dock site, with witness in pursuit. Witness then hailed a taxi-cab and continued his chase with the assistance of another man. MacKenzie was caught, and was placed in the taxi, being taken to the Wharf Police Station. At the station lie was searched, but nothing was found in his possession. The site over which defendant ran. was searched, but nothing, was found.

A witness named MeSloeen, who assisted the previous witness in his search, said he saw MacKenzie shake something out of a. handkerchief as he a*:m across the old dock site.

Mr Moody told the Magistrate that MacKenzie was nil excitable person, who had lost his head and foolishly ran away.

The Magistrate, Mr Hunt: “Has lie got « had conscience?’’ Mr Moody: “I don’t know whether ho had a had conscience or not. He certainly has not a had conscience as to 'having customs goods.” The defendant then gave evidence. Ho said: “I don’t know what came over me when I ran away. I was wider observation all the time and f nevor threw anything away.” Mr Hunt: “You had better cure yourself of that, von (know. Were you taking anything home with you in your coat?” “No, sir.”

Mr Hunt: “It was your duty to stop when required by the Customs officer. T will inflict a fine of £5 and costs. That is the minimum penalty prescribed under the Act.”