Melbourne
2 February 1883
My dear Chris
The mistake you have made in carrying goods liable to a heavy duty at this port without reporting them, has given me a good deal of trouble and annoyance and may have unpleasant consequences for you on your return home.
I have seen the commissioner several times and I have now with the advice of two of best lawyers consented on your behalf to the forfeiture of the goods and a fine of £5. The alternative to this was a prosecution at which you might have been fined £50 or more according to the temper of the men who sit on the bench. This would have been when the Indus came round here again,
Understand that this is only for not reporting. Had you made any attempt at secreting the things they must have prosecuted and you would have been fined £100. I prefer that the case should be settled quietly in the store way. If you went before a court it would be raised abroad and a certainty you would have had to leave the service.
Write a letter as per copy enclosed and send it to me at once. When I hand this to the commissioner I will pay £5 and get a letter from him explaining and
illuminating your case. A copy of this Mr Williams will send to the directors at home and this I hope will prevent any unpleasant consequences to you.
If you have taken the same class of goods to Sydney before and paid duty try and get a certificate to this effect. A customs agent would help you in this matter.
It might be useful here and send it to me, nothing can alter the decision now or get your goods ???
??? you make your mind easy on that score and I hope it will be a
a lesson to you never to attempt anything of the kind again whatever the prospect of profit may be. In this case you bring me into discredit as well
as yourself and you may be sure I am not pleased about it.
I don’t know which gentleman you allude to in your letter. Tell me the names.
Your loving Father
J A Elmslie
Mr Williams tells me that he made enquiry on board at the head of the department and found they had all been warned to report dutiable goods.
I H Graves Esq
Commissioner of Trade & Customs
Sir
Referring to the recent seizure of goods belonging to me on board the Indus
which I had failed to report.
I prefer not being dealt with in accordance with the Customs Act of the
Colny. I have the honour to request that you will deal with the matter, and I hereby elect to abide by your decision on the subject.
I have the honour to be sir
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