UNEMPLOYMENT LEVY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 89, 5 December 1931, Page 4

UNEMPLOYMENT LEVY

(Press. Assn.

PROSECUTIONS IN HAMILTON PROTEST BY COUNSEL

— By Telegraph — Copyright)

HAMILTON, Friday. A number of defaulters under the Unemploylnefit Act were prosecuted by the officer in charge of the Labour Department, Hamilton, Mr. F. Wilson, in the Magistrate's Court this morning. Alexander Mawhinney pleaded guilty to failure to pay his levy, and explained that he went bankrupt in February and had intended fulfilling his obligations when he had sufficient money. He was a single inan, living with relations. Mr. Wilson said defendant had paid no levies. Though defendant had done little work siftce his hankruptcy he had not registered as unemployed. Mr. "Wyvern Wilson, S.M., held that defendant must have a certain amount of money and imposed a fine of £2, with costs 10s, Through his counsel Gornelius MeDevitt pleaded guilty to a similar charge.

"He paid his instalinents on Oetober 29 aiid Was iflterviewed by the police on Novemher 3," explained Mr. Wilson. "Defendant said he had kept the matter steadlly in view, but was linable to pay until the date mentioned." Counsel said it, seemed hard that a man who had paid his levies late should be prosecuted. Defendant had been out of work for some time and paid as soon as he had the money. Because he had paid he was prosecuted. Defendant was ordered to pay costs. A plea of guilty for failure to pay levies on thh due dates Was entered by Joseph Thomas Battersby. Mr. Wilson said defendant paid his December levy, but iieglected to remit the March, June and August instalments until October 1, when he paid everything due, including_ fines. He was not interviewed until Novemher 3. Defendant assured the Magistrate that he had no intention of evading the tax. He was away from town most days of the week. A fine of £1, with costs 10s, was imposed.