THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND v. GEORGE ORTIZ, SOTHERBY PARKE BERNET & CO. AND LANCE ENTWISTLE

[1982] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 224

COURT OF APPEAL

Before Lord Denning, M.R., Lord Justice Ackner and Lord Justice O'Connor

Conflict of laws - New Zealand statutes - Ownership of artefact - Artefact removed from New Zealand - Whether forfeited to Her Majesty the Queen - Interpretation of New Zealand statute - Meaning of "shall be forfeited" - Whether statutes unenforceable in England as being foreign, penal, revenue and/or public laws - Historic Articles Act, 1962 - Customs Act, 1913 and 1966.