SLY-GROGGING.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1926, Page 4

SLY-GROGGING.

“LEMONADE” THAT WAS WHISKY.

THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION AUCKLAND, Jam 14. When Cormick O’Rourke served two young men with breakfast on the morning of December 20th., he never suspected for a moment that his customers were police constables iu plain clothes, and everything went on as' usual. Another customer presented himself at tlie counter of the restaurant and asked for some soda water. Then he said he would like some lemonade in it, and the “lemonade” was produced. The trouble was that it looked like whisky, and one constable discovered that, so early in the

morning, lie had a violent thirst. Going to the counter, he said he would have a ivhisky—he did. O'Rourke served him. Then the constable went back to his brother officer, and they finished She meal. Afterwards tliey both drank a whisky. This little story was related in the roliec Court to-day, when O’Rourke pleaded guilty to selling whisky without a license. It was true, said Mr Hogg, who appeared for him, that O’Rourke had been previously convicted foil sJygrog selling: but lie had been very good during the last few years. His health was in a serious condition; indeed, so serious was it that his medical attendant declared his days were numbered.

“I doubt if lie will live long enough to commit another offence.” concluded Air T-Togg. Euh-Tnspoeior Rawlo said ir was thought that O’Rourke never kept any great quantities of liquor on the promises. but obtained it in small quantities. AYliilo tlie constables were in tlio restaurant, accused went out and got six bottles of beer which ho retailed for Is each. Some throe half bottles of whisky were found on the premises, and five empty bottles of beer, while the constables bought a flask of whisky for Os before leaving. O’Rourke had been convicted and fined £SO on two occasions in 1922, and nn a third occasion had been filled £75 at tho Supreme Court. Afr Boynton. S.Af. said the man was a confirmed sly-grog seller, and one would have thought that after three warnings, he would know hotter than • to offend a fourth time. He should have boon sent, to gaol, and if be bo- ' came very ill he could he sent to Auck--1 land Hospital. O’Rourke was sentenced to three anon tlis* imprisonment without the: ■ option of a fine.