OFFENSIVELY ADDRESSED LETTERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3773, 29 March 1928, Page 2

OFFENSIVELY ADDRESSED LETTERS.

SUBSTANTIAL LINE IMPOSED

At the Palmerston S.M. Court on Monday an elderly man named Charles Hubbart Thompson, was accused of sending through the post packages offensively addressed.

The charges were laid under section 83, subsection (f) of the Post and Telegraph Act, 1908, and Thompson admitted being the author of the epistles. In explaining the circumstances of the case, Senior-Detective Quirke stated that for some time accused had been writing this class of letter. The charges covered only two of many instances and Thompson had been spoken to about the matter in Christchurch, Wellington and Palmerston North. He had promised to discontinue the practice but had still gone on. Accused earned a living grinding scissors and apart from the present ease, nothing was known against him. He had been four or five years in New Zealand. Accused (peremptorily): “Three and a-hali years. Three and threequarters to be exact.” , Mr. Stout, S.M.: Whatever your opinions of these gentlemen to whom you Addressed the letters, you are not supposed to make them known in this fashion. You are liable to a penalty of £2O. However, a small fine will be imposed this time and if you come before the Court again you will be severely dealt with. Fined £2 on each of the two charges.” Accused: “I have only £4 and a few shillings.”

The Magistrate: “Well, you can pay the first line now and the second in a month’s time.”