Opium Cases.

Manawatu Herald, 14 July 1903, Page 2

Opium Cases.

Judgment was delivered on Monday morning in the opium ease against Yee Kem Lee, heard before Mr Greenfield, S.M.„ at Palmerston last week. The S.M., alter reviewing the Opium Prohibition Act, 190 a, said three months was allowed by the Act, apparently to enable any person in possession of prohibited opium to export or otherwise dispose of it. Opium in a prohibited form bad been found in the possession of the accused and he was therefore fonnd guilty of tlm offence charged in the first count of the information. As this was the first case in the town a fine of £5 only was inflicted with costs £9 7s ad. The opium seized was forfeited to the Crown.

Notice of appeal was given. In the afternoon the information against Wong Tong, was taken. Mr Fitzherbert prosecuting on behalf of the Customs Department, and Mr Lougbnan appearing for the defence. It was admitted the dipper, referred to in the previous case, and its contents were found in the possession of the accused. The question for the Court to decide was whether the opium in the tin produced contained opium suitable for, or which could be made suitable for smoking. Counsel for the prosecution, during his address, said the circumstances in the present case were different from the last one, and if the charge was proved he would ask for a substantial penalty.—Standard,