HOTEL RAIDED

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1933, Page 6

HOTEL RAIDED

LICENSEE FINED AND COSTS

AUCKLAND, August: 17

The case against. Daniel McCartny, licensee of the King’s Arms Hotel, on charges arising from police visits to the premises on. the evening-of June‘-24, was- concluded before Mr W. R. McKean/ S.M., in. the Police Court yesterdav; kdeffeiidant •: being ? convicted on : each ; 6f five counts'. •: rt v : -c"

' : Defendant, •for wlioilr' ■ -Mr Terry entered" a-pl ea"of' i: n otgu i 1 ty, wits, charged' with obstructing a police sergeant, keeping the premises open for the B ale of liquor after hours, exposing liquor for sale and selling liquor after hours, and failing to admit police with* out unnecessary delay* l; ;. d; Sergeant lirenchlcy and Constable Urquhart described a call at the hotel after 11 o’clock on. the evening in question. The door was opened while they were standing at if, witnesses stated and' was then ’ elartimed. 1 They then sought admittance,. hut did not gain it- until two and a-lialf or three min-utes-had elapsed. ,No persons were unlawfully on the premises.

Counsel suggested that the police waited outside because of a visit by officers earlier in the evening, and were desirous, of-obtaining evidence. He said /there was no evidence of a breach of the Licensing. Act, and,, in support of the contention defendant gave evidence that he was not aware immediately that the, police were, seeking admittance. : - ‘ 'if

The magistrate imposed fines amount, ing. to £2.7', and costs totalling £2 10s. Defendant’s licence was also endorsed.