GOLD DUTY EVASION

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1932, Page 5

GOLD DUTY EVASION

CASE IN COURT

TO PREVENT RETURN OF METAL 0 (Australian Press Association.) ■ SYDNEY, August 18. Li the Equity Court to-day, further argument was heard before Mr Justice Harvey on the application for /the continuance of the injunction granted on July 29th. restraining the Commissioner of Police here and Huddart Parker Ltd'., from transhipping one thousand pounds’ worth of gold to New Zealand that originally was consigned to Messrs Garrett and Davidson, metallurgists, of Sydney. Alan Garrett, director, gave evidence that he had no knowledge of any attempt to evade the gold export duty on this gold, which had been purchased from George Washington, of New Zealand. Counsel for. the Police Commissioner asked: Did you get a cablegram from Washington saying : ' ‘Developments here. 1 Endeavour prevent return of gold'to Nlew Zealand at all costs. Maintaining ignorance?” Garrett: ”1 took that to mean that Washington was ignorant of the New Zealand law,”

©cunse! read a second cable as follows your counsel claim right of innocent party. Willing to sivffertgaol. Don’t hesitate repudiation of my action.” Counsel also read a third cable ns follows: —“Do your best. Suggest you approach authorities. Day claim. BHame me. Absolute silence here.” Counsel for the police Commissioner asked: “Was Washington asking you to blame him ?”

Garrett: “He was to blame, absolutelv!”

Mr Justice Harvey interposed: “Too clever!” i. The decision was reserved