LIQUOR IN MINE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1930, Page 5

LIQUOR IN MINE

MAGISTRATE’S WARNING. HAMILTON, «ept. 26. John Tudor, formerly driver of the haulfige engine in the mine of the Glenafton Collieries, was charged today with taking intoxicating liquor 'into the mine, contrary to regulation 72 of the Aiming Act. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr W. Barclay, Inspector oil. Alines, stated that Tudor was discovered under the influence of liquor by Deputy AV. Summers at 11 p.m., and was escorted out of the mine. On an examination being made of Tudor’s ei'ib bag in the machinery house, a bottle of whisky was found.

Asked by the Magistrate if he had anything to say, defendant replied: “I may as well'say nothing. It was not pure whisky. There was water in it.”

In imposing; a fine, Air Levien, S.AI., said that it was a most dangereiv; practice for a man operating machinery, especially underground, ’to be intoxicated, a&'he'yas a menace to all 'Workers. ‘‘l aitf -pf'. ;ihe '.opitiion that a £IOO fine is the- most 'suitable penalty.” Afi the case was the first of its kind, the inspector did not press for a heavy penalty, and ag Tudor had been relegated to a subordinate position he was fined 3, the Bench giving a sharp warning that the next offender would receive no sympathy from the Court. :t