UNUSUAL CASES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 46, 22 January 1938, Page 2

UNUSUAL CASES.

STAMPS AND RECEIPTS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Jan. 21. Six prominent city 1 firms were to-day charged before Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M., with issuing unstamped receipts. Two pleaded guilty and were convicted and ordered to pay costs. It was explained that the charges were based on the issue of what the department regarded as receipts, and that in two of the cases there was no doubt about the matter of the forms being regarded as receipts. The purpose of the prosecution was to draw the attention of the commercial community to the laws laid down as to the issue of a receipt. In one case the cash docket employed by a firm was stamped at the top, “Your receipt; thank you!” In another, “Received from cash sale the sum of £5.” The others differed in certain respects. The department did not ask for any penalty as the cases were of a warning nature. The question arose during the proceedings of whether the firms should consult a Government department. Dr. Foden, who prosecuted on behalf of the Stamp Office, said he did not think they should ring up the office ; it would be better if they consulted their legal advisers. The Magistrate: You would be surprised to know how many people even ring me to find out what they should do in certain matters. Dr. Foden: At the same time I do not think the Government offices should be consulted. The Magistrate: There I differ from you very materially. I think it is the duty of Government departments to advise the public whenever possible on matters relating to the departments concerned. The points in the other cases relate to dockets, including cash register dockets.