SALE OF LAND TO ALIENS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1919, Page 2

SALE OF LAND TO ALIENS.

A FARMER FINED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, March 6. A case was heard to-day at Dargaville which is said to be the first of its kind in New Zealand. Robert Wvatt, a farmer, sold land to two Dalmatians, acting, it was alleged, on the advice of fl. HHayes, solicitor, who was joined with the three others concerned in a prosecution under the War Regulations prohibiting the acquisition by an alien enemy of any interest in land, under a penalty of £IOO or threo months' imprisonment. Counsel for the defence stated that the two Dalmatians acted in good faith, and in ignorance of the law. Both had volunteered for active service, but were rejected because they were unnaturalised. Hayes pleaded ignorance of the war regulations for which hasty legislation might be held responsible. The facts wore admitted. The magistrate agreed that three of the defendants acted reasonably, having consulted a' solicitor. They were each convicted and ordered to pay costs 14s. He admitted the difficulties of frequent changes in legislation, but he did not think Hayes acted with deliberate intent, in view of the fact that incidental expense would fall upon him. He thought a fine of £5 and £l'2 10* Sd costs would satisfy justice.