A LIQUOR CASE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1842, 24 August 1906, Page 2

A LIQUOR CASE

PRESS ASSOCIATION Auckland, last nigbt. A middle aged man named Andrew McLeod pleaded not guilty to two charges of procuring liquor for the purpose of Francis Hyland, a prohibited person. Sergeant Hendry described the case as a particularly gross one. The police had found Hyland in a deplorable state as the result of heavy drinking Since then lie had taken out a prohibition order against himself, but this was of no avail. The man was in a state of collapse and delirium tremens from liquor supplied by the defendant. Defendant called Thomas Mahon, who said that defendant said he was to get Hyland “ right” so as to complete a certain business transaction, and the defendant reiterated his denial of the charges of procuring liquor for Hyland after the order was made, though ho knew I he was supplied. He admitted getting whisky for Hyland before the order was made.

Mr Kettle, S.M., said he was quite satislied that defendant did supply Hyland with whisky on the ISth. He could picture the true position. Hyland was a man with some property, and unfortunately drank very heavily. Defendaus wanted to mako sure ol the transaction he was endsavoting to bring about. Io order to carry that out it was desirable that Hyland should bo kept somewhat sober. McLeod thought that his frionds, who were supplying liquor, were giving too much, and spoiling his chances. He (Mr Kettle) would assume that McLeod induced Hyland to get a prohibition order, in order that be might have solo control of the administration of drink to him. With that object he told the boy not to let other people get drink for his father. " That is the true position, and you know it is, and in ooming into the witness bos and tolling me what you did you lied.” He was bound to inflioi the full penalty of £lO, and only regretted that he could not send McLeod to gaol without the option of a fine. If the fino was not forthcoming within 24 hours defendant would go to gaol for one month. His Worship commended the police for the aotioa they had takon in this case, which was the most disgraceful one he had ever had to do with.