LOWER HUTT COURT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2400, 4 March 1915, Page 3

LOWER HUTT COURT

CHARGES AGAINST LATE LICENSEE OF TAITA HOTEL. Mr. D. G. A.. Cooper, S.M., presided at the Lower Hutt Magistrate's Court yesterday. Thomas Park, late licensee of the Taita Hotel, was charged—(l) With selling liquor to a persou other than a lodger, when the premises required to be closed; and (2) exposing liquor for sale after hours. Mr. Wilfor<J appeared for defendant. Constable Cameron stated that on Saturday, January 23, at about 11 p.m., he paid a visit to the Taita Hotel, in company with Gonstab'e Holmes, They saw two parties arrive by motor at different times and enter the hotel. They also observed the licensee (Park) serving drinks from behind tho bar. The second party arrived some time after the first. Witness stated that money was passed between those in the bar and the licensee, which the latter put into 'the till. Cross-examined by Mr. Wilford, witness said that he could not swear that the Connell party (the first party to arrive) did hot gain entrance by the window at'the front of the hotel. He could not say . that any money changed hands regarding the Connell party, or that the Connells were not there as the' guests of the licensee. As far ae he knew, the house had been well conducted prior to the alleged .offence, although he had received several complaints. Evidence was also given by Constable Holmes. Mr. Wilford submitted that there was no,'evidence as to the actual: selling of liquor to the Connell party, whom he contended were tho guests of the licensee. In respect to the Duggan party, Mr. Wilford -withdrew the plea of not guilty, and entered one of guilty, in view of a statement previously made by defendant to the police. : Park was convicted on the charge of selling liquor after hours, and a lino of 40s, was imposed. In respect to the other charge Park was convicted and discharged. _ In connection with the same case, Chas. Henry Doughty, John Connell, Frank Ringrow, and Walter Stanton were called on to answer charges of being illegally on the premises. The cases against the jiret two mentioned were dismissed, Ringrow was; convicted and discharged, and Walter Stanton was fined os.