New Zealand.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 268, 22 April 1915, Page 5

New Zealand.

TRADE WITH THE ENEMY. DUERKOP FINED £IOO, Wellington," April 21, Wilhelm Hcinrich Magnus Duerkop, who had been found guilty on four charges of trading with the enemy, came ■before the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, to-day for sentence. Accused in a short speech from the dock expressed regret that his actions had been determined to be a breach of the law. (When ha had directed cargoes he .had been under the impression that he was within his rights. He had given every assistance to the prosecution, and admitted that the prosecution had give.i iiimtcvcry assistance in preparing his defence The Chief Justice said that the case was peculiar in that the negotiations had been entered into before the war. The jury did not allow any feejing of resentment to influence them in their verdict, and he believed it was the only; verdict they honestly could have delivered. In view of the whole circumstances of the ease he would deal leniently with the accused, aluiough the Government did right to prosecute, so as to show that trading witj me enemy was a serious business. Accused was fined £ 100, in default threo months' imprisonment. THE SAMOAN TROOPS. Auckland, April 21. At a large meeting of Auckland men returned from Samoa to-night it was decided to approach the authorities with a view to obtaining consent that they should go forward to the front in one body instead of being divided among different reinforcement drafts. WELLINGTON FOOTBALLERS AT THE FRONT. Wellington, April 21. Wellington Rugby Union reports that ;!(!2 incii from the clubs included in the Uniuti are now serving with the colors.