THE WRONG MAN.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3641, 30 November 1920, Page 5

THE WRONG MAN.

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 29. At the Magistrate's Court, Lyttelton, before Mr. McCarthy, S.M., Usui Moi<shi, chief steward of : Japanese steamer Hukushiku Maru, was. charged that he did import into New Zealand opium in a form suitable for smoking, contrary to section 2 of the Opium Act. The v information was laid by Mr. W. J. Watt, Collector of Cv.;:!":.::7s. Christchurch. The case for the prosecution w.as that behir:'.: a loose board in a cupboard of accu .o i 's cabin was found four tins labelled "selected best fruits", but which in reality contained opium in a form suitable for smoking. For the defence the purser and the captain deposed that the accused joined the ship in Japan, just prior to the vessel sailing. . His predecessor had been suspected of smuggling at Seattle and Portland, Oregon. He was admonished, and along with the ship's carpenter, deserted the ship at Shanghai, both leaving all their clothing and effects and forfeiting their wages. Accused denied all knowledge of the presence of the opium. The magistrate held that accused had completely answered the charge against him and dismissed the information. A further charge of being in possession of dutiable goods was also dismissed.