SLY GROG.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1926, Page 4

SLY GROG.

'SALE TO POLICEMAN. WELLINGTON, June 25. In the Police Court to-day, Thomas Atkinson, a carrier, was charged with selling liquor without a license. A constable said that accompanied by a friend lie bought three bottles of beer from Atkinson at the latter’s bouse, paying 2s 6tl each for them, hut lie did not propose to put his friend in the box to support his own evidence. This led to an interchange of words wiLh counsel, who said the defendant was going to deny that lie ever sold any beer to witness, and it would only be one man’s word against another. The friend, however, was not produced, and the constable said he had been with ihim in Court. Further evidence was that a search warrant led to twelve and a half bottles of beer being found in tile deiendant’s house, and a mini her of empty bottles. Counsel contended that this was nothing unusual, and as much could be found in many other homes. Atkinson, from the box. admitted haviml been convicted and fined in December last for “ sly grog.” 'The constable, lie said, bad never purchased any liquof* from him and the beer in his house was for his own use.

Mr Sievwright (for the defendant): Do von consider twelve and a-lialf bottles too much?—No, not too much. (Laughter.) Sub-Inspector Harvey: A good many people frequent your place on a Sunday, don’t they?—A few. sometimes. Do you ever give beer away?—No. - You could have a lot of people coning round if they knew you were givug away beer?—You bet your life I vould. (Laughter.) Do you know of any reason why the onstahle should come here and comnit perjury?—No, T don’t. “It seems to me that I must con■iet this defendant.’’ observed his iVorship. “ I accept the story of the onstahle as to the purchase of this iquor. On the first charge the detuidanc will lie fined £2O. and on the econd charge he will he convicted nd discharged.” A month was allowed in which to pay the fine. j