A WHISKY STILL

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1931, Page 3

A WHISKY STILL

SOUTHLAND FARMER CHARGED

INVERCARGILL, Jan. 21

An elaborate still, with a great , deal of related paraphernalia, in which the Magistrate (Mr E. 0. Lcwoy) displayed lively interest, were the principal exhibits in the police courts this morning,;, when -Mifchael Francis Flynn, farmer, of Mataura, was charged, with being in, possession of an unlicensed still and worm suitable for distilling, and with assisting or being otherwise concerned in unlawfully making spirifis.

The defendant did not appear .in answer to the. charges, but counsel, Mr Eustace Russell, asked for an adjournment, on account of his client’s absence. Flynn had. informed him that he intended to plead guilty, but counsel had just, received information that:the defendant was ill at the Drummond Hotel.

The Magistrate: “Have you no other information? It is rather suspicious for a man to be ill in a hotel.” Mr Russell replied that he had had no opportunity to make further inquiries.

.'An adjournment for two days was agreed to, and Mr Russell suggested that as the exhibits at present in Court, were somewhat cumbersome, ii would not (be necessary to produce them again. if The Magistrate; “They are very interesting. I would like to see how they work. It is always valuable knowledge, from the Court’s point ol view I mean.”

Mr H. S. Cordery, who appeared for the'Oust oms Department, stated that the apparatus was complete but for the head,piece connecting.the worm to the still; that had been damaged. The defendant had agreed to have this pari repaired and to produce it in Court. The Magistrate: T ‘l would like to see the whole contrivance working, it possible. Mr Russell: “I understand that they emptied the wash down the drain.’i The Magistrate, laughing “‘That is unfortunate.’’ Mr Cordery: “I believe there is still some left.” Mr Russell: “Then it might be possible to carry out the whole operation.”

A writer in a well-known English provincial journal has been coiuriouting his impressions of Aciv Aeaiaua gathered during a recent tou r or the Dominion. In touching upon our industries lie wrote: “Smokers will learn with interest that New Zealand is now producing some of the iinest tobacco grown within the Empire. An outstanding merit is that this leaf is all but free from nicotine with Die result that it may be smoked ad. lib. without affecting the health in any way. There is no other tobacco 01 which this can be said. Moreover it is of rare fragrance, and alluring flavour. What is the secret of all its excellencies? Simply that it is toasted. The result is certainly astonishing.” The,so remarks refer to the well-known New Zealand brands—Riverliead Cold, Cavendish, Navy Cut No. 3, and Cut Plug No. 10. There are no other toasted tobaccos oil the market. All of them are of different strengths, and consequently they appeal to all smokers. Of course there are imitations. Everything good is imitated! So smokers beware!