SLY GROG-SELLERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 247, 6 July 1918, Page 9

SLY GROG-SELLERS

AT NEWTOWN HEAVY FINES IMPOSED In the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. 1\ V. I'lazer, S.M., the politc proceeded against Gertrude Aston foi keeping liquor for sale in a no-liccnsc district, also with occupying unlicensed premises where liquor was sold. Loui; .Bright was charged with selling liquor tc John IL 11. Beckett, also with selling liquor in a no-license district. Mr. H. P. O'Leary appeared for both accused. Inspector Marsack stated that in consequence of certain information received a constable wa3 told off to purchase liquor from the premises of the defendant, 202 itiddiford Street, Newtown. The constable was supplied by a man named Bright, who was related to Mrs. Aston, and it was suggested that ho assisted her in tho business. Two persons residing at the Soldiers' Hostel accompanied tho constable, and were served with several glasses of beer. When tho premises were searched, a largo quantity of liquor was obtained, and a 1 number of unwashed glasses. The liquor found consisted of beer, whisky, and brandy. Tho finding so large a quantity of liquor on premises in a no-license district was in itself a prima facie case against tho occupier. John limit, a temporary constable, stated that, acting under instructions, lie visited the premises on Sunday, May 20, and was accompanied by a letter-carrier named Bell. Bright supplied them with beer. This, was after 5 p.m., and there were 110 lights in the premises. Ou the following Sunday ho again went to the premises, on this occasion just before noon, and was accompanied again by Bell and by a soldier named Burkett. rhere was a girl in tho shop. Bell asked Tor beer, and the girl directed them into the tea room. Later Bright came in, and they said they wanted beer. They had soyeral glasses of beer, and paid at the rato of On. a glass. Witness reported tile matter to tho police, and was instructed to go back in tho afternoon, which ho did at 2 p.m., accompanied by ■Bell mid Burkett. They again had beer— several drinks—left the premisos at 3 p.m., returned at 1.30 p.m., and found the police in possession. Witness said ho did not see Mrs. Aston until 4.30 p.m. IJo had fourteen glasses of beer, and was perfectly sober. His Worship: It is hard to believo that a man could drink fourteen glasses of beer and never turn a hair. Harold Burkitt gave corroborative evidence, but denied that they had fourteen drinks, as stated bv tho previous witness. Sergeant James A. Cruickshank said 'ho did not detect any signs of liquor on Constablo Hunt on June 2. In company with Sergeant M'Lean and Constables Joss, M'lyay, and Hedgeman, ho searched the premises occupied by Mrs. Aston. T,wo men were sitting-in a room smoking, and in another fonr were p-lnying cards, and a fifth was looking on. The search resulted in there being found eight bottles of beer, a bottle of whisky, half a bottle of brandy, kUo gin and schnapps. Mrs. Aston said that she and lie'r daughter conducted the place, and'that Bright (her brother-in-law) sometimes stayed, at tho house and helped, but was not an assistant. ISvidenco in corroboration was given by Sergeant M'Lean and Constables M'Kay, Joss, and Hcdgemnn, William V. Lepper, manager of M'Carthy's brewery, stated that 10 pallons of lieer had been sent to Bright'a house, No. 3 Gordon Street, between May IS and 31, Gertrude Aston stated that she had no knowledge that Bright had served anyone with liquor on the day of the raid. One bottle of whisky was tho property of her daughter, Mrs. Christie, who had had it for some time. There was a quantity of non-intoxicating liquor on the premises to bo sold in the ordinary course of; business. Tho spirits other than the whisky had been purchased at different times at various bottle stores. Witness had intended to entertain some 20 friends on tho evening of the lung's Birthday, and lincl therefore got the ale in for that purpose. The party did not eventiiato. Tho ,defendant Bright brought soino of the beer homo in the Winchesters, and witness went for some herself, and tho two stone jars, each holding two gallons, were filled with beoi; and carried homo in that way. There wero a number of empty bottles about, but they were intended to bo used as syrup containers. As a rulo a couple of dozen bottles of boor were kept in the house. Inspector Marsack produced records to show that between March 23 and April li a total of 13 gnllons of ale and stout had been delivered at' 202 liiddifonl Street. Several witnesses were called to show lhat they hnd been invited by Mrs. Aston to a party on the King's Birthday. Inspector Morsack stated that he had boon instructed lo press for tho extreme penalty.. Many complaints had been received respecting the premises, more especially from the Soldiers' Hostel at Newtown and the tramway officials. The Magistrate said that it appeared to hiin that tho case was one calli.ig for an uxemplary penalty. As a rulo returned soldiers were unable to take much liquor, and in his opinion the premises, which were near tho hostel, were some- ; thing in the nature of a trap to tho soldiers. Each defendant was convicted and . fined JiW and costs. In Aston's case it : was for keeping liquor for sale, and in. Bright's case for selling liquor to tw> : persons. On tho other charges thev were convicted and discharged. The liouor wis ] ordered to be forfeited and to be handed over to the authorities. <