METHYLATED SPIRIT ADDICTS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 9 December 1930, Page 15

METHYLATED SPIRIT ADDICTS.

FOUR BEFORE COURT. (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, December 8. Four men described by Detective-Ser-geant Kelly as "methylated spirit kings,'' came before Mr F. Jv. Hunt, S.M., :jt the Magistrate's Court. Three had been arrested on drunkenness charges, find the fourth on a charge deeming him to be an incorrigible rogue and vagabond. Two were remanded for a week for medical treatment. "These 1 men go about the city in gangs, frequenting parks and drinking methylated spirits," said Mr Kelly. " Your Worship has only to look at them to see the harm spirit does when taken internally." Mr Hunt: I know there is a man in the morgue this morning who has been drinking methylated spirits. He was found dead yesterday. Concerning tlie man charged with being an incorrigible rogue and vagabond, James Edgar Stcere, aged 59, Mr Kellv said he was a derelict and a methylated spirits addict. "They won't have him in the city shelters, and he has been sleeping out in Campbell Park. Nothing can be done with him," he added. Steere, who had 52 previous convictions, was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. "He's better up above where he will be fed and kept clean," remarked the Magistrate.