LIQUOR TRANSPORTER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20103, 24 November 1939, Page 11

LIQUOR TRANSPORTER

LIABILITY CHALLENGED BEER AT’DANCE HALL (P«r Pross Association.} CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Is a man who transports beer to a dance hall liable under the new liquor laws prohibiting the consumption of liquor at dances? This question was debated in the Magistrate’s Court to-day and the case was adjourned until Monday for the submission of legal argument.

Colin Curragh was charged with being in possession or control of a twogallon jar of beer in the vicinity of Lincoln dance hall. He pleaded not guilty.

The owner of the beer, Lancelot Childs, admitted the charge. The police contention was that Curragh knew the beer was in the car and knew it was intended for “shouting.”

His counsel, Mr. W. R. Lascelles, contended that Curragh had no case to answer as he was only the transporting agent and not the possessor of the beer.

me magistrate raised‘the question of control, Mr. Lascelles replying that the man who bought the beer had control of it. If Curragh were deemed to be in control of the liquor, some extraordinary results would arise. “If a man got into Your Worship’s car with a bottle of beer in his hand, then you would be liable,” added Mr. Lascelles.

Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M.; That is what the whole thing is aimed at I am afraid.

The case against Curragh was adjourned. Childs was fined 10s.