OPIUM SMOKING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 645, 23 April 1929, Page 1

OPIUM SMOKING

CHINESE APPEAL FINES TO STAND Convicted of opium smoking in Tauranga, two Chinese, Ah I)ong and Moi You Fong, appealed against the fines imposed. The appeal was heard before Mr. Justice Blair at the Supreme Court yesterday. The two Chinese had appeared before a justice of the peace at Tauranga, and their counsel entered a plea of guilty. Ah Hong, charged with having opium in his possession, was fined £ 50, and Moi You Fong, charged with smoking opium, was fined £25. Evidence was given to show that a parcel containing opium had arrived through tho post for Ah Hong. In answer to the postmaster, who called with the parcel, Ah Hong said he was expecting one. When it was opened he said the opium was not for him. He had expected a packet of seeds. Opium was also found in a room above the shop. Mr. Schramm, who appeared for the Chinese yesterday, said they contended they had no knowledge of the plea entered on their behalf. Apart from the question whether the Chinese unundestood the plea, it was not proved that the opium was in the possession of Ah Hong. In delivering judgment this morning his Honour said appeals against a plea of guilty were unusual. Had appellants been in a position to establish that no plea of guilty had been entered new consideration might have arisen, but there was no doubt they knew what they were doing. The evidence against them was overwhelming, and it was impossible to accept their statements that they did not understand. It was clear they intended to plead guilty, and subsequently changed their minds. A sum of £7 7s was allowed respondent in each appeal.