The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1878.

Kumara Times, Issue 421, 31 January 1878, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1878.

We congratulate the Resident Magistrate upon taking a practical and coiq : mon-sense view of the complaints in re. breaches of _the licensing latvs, commonly known as “sly-grog cases,” heard by him to-day. He pointed out that in Kumara there are forty-seven licensed houses, and in Dillman’s Town fi^e; and that notwithstanding this ample provision for the bibulously-in-clined portion of the population, no fewer than twenty informations had been laid against persons for selling liquors without having a licence to do so. He was not astonished that the properly licensed victuallers had taken the matter up. Putting aside altogether the question of a breach of the law, the licensed victuallers had to pay large fees* and had to carry on their legitimate trade under many restrictions. For instance, if on the 13th instant, the day upon which the offences were alleged to have been committed, any licensed victualler had sold liquors, he would have laid himself open to punishment, and it was only proper and just that when their rights were infringed the law should protect them. His Worship further said that there was an impression abroad that Magistrates had what was popularly known as a “ down ” upon persons charged with sly-grog selling. He, for one, would strain nothing in these cases, blit would bring to bear in considering the evidence the same principles he would apply to other’s; and if any reasonable doubt arose in his own mind as to the guilt of the accused they should have the full benefit of it. Having .laid down these very fair and just premises, we are very glad that His Worship saw'his way in so many instances to punish the offenders ; and we also think that, for obvious reasons, a wise discretion was exhibited ininflicting half the maximum fine, £25, with the alternative of the full term of imprisonment, viz. three months. Amongst the accused were several women; and it may possibly deter others from offending in a similar manner; when it is 'made known that a learned and mnch experienced Magistrate, speaking from the bench, hinted in tolerably plain language that ahy woman who depends for a living upon sly-grog selling need not be surprised if others consider that she lays herself open to suspicion that that is not her only ©r her most disgraceful •source of income. In vindication of the laws of the land, and in the interests of persons licensed by these Jaws to follow a certain calling, we are glad that this crusade has been entered upon.; and we. trust it will be vigorously carried on until a crying evil has been thoroughly stamped out.

will be held at the termination of the performance, for which a first class band has been engaged, and to which all lovers of the light fantastic are invited. Before hearing the sly-grog cases today Mr Price R.M. ordered all witnesses out of Court, and remarked that in future if such orders were not complied with he would exercise the powers conferred upon him by the Resident Magistrate’s Act, and deal with the offenders summarily for contempt of Court. Mr Hawkins must be credited with a degree of ingenuity even surpassing that of the proverbial Philadelphia lawyer. In the case against Foley for having his slaughter-yard in a condition described by different witnesses as “frightful,” “horrible,” “odious,” and “loathsome,” he contended that his client should be acquitted on the ground that many smells although disagreeable to the senses might ■be positively conducive to health. Perhaps the people of Kuraara will take the hint, and present Mr Foley with an address and testimonial for self-sacrifice in the public interest. Mr Price R.M. however, evidently thinks otherwise, as he spoke to the defendant in remarkably plain language, and fined him £5 and costs ; in default, a month’s imprisonment. A billiard match, for £5 a side, will, we understand, take place this evening, between two local amateurs, the table of Mr T. Selous having been selected as the one on which the event will come off. Mrs Catherine Ryan, one of the persons charged tins morning with selling grog without a licence, gave as a reason for not cross-questioning the informant, Cordial, that she did not want to give him an opportunity of telling any more lies. The first two and a-half days crushing of the Welcome, Reefton, produced 700 ounces amalgam. The Resident Magistrate announced this morning that the civil cases would not be heard until 10 o’clock to-morrow morning. His Worship also stated that, in consequence of pressure of business at the Hokitika Court, he would be unable to visit Kumara next week. It was elicited in cross-examination from the informer Cordial this morning that he and his mate, Graham, are tb receive £5 for every conviction secured by them. The Diorama was, as on previous occasions, well patronised last evening. The representation of the funerai of Stonewall Jackson was received with marked approbation. To-night there will be a change; in the chief gifts given, a lady’s goldhunting watch being the first prize, a tea and coffee service and the usual sovereign taking the place of second and third. Tomorrow evening, in consequence of the Fire Brigade benefit, there will be no performance. Mr Hawkins, the learned counsel who defended several of the persons charged with sly-grog selling this morning, described the putting of a florin in a- till as “a two-shilling piece accidentally falling through a crack in the counter.” A good many people would’nt mind how often these “accidents” happened to them. A discussion arose in Court this morning as to the properties of absinthe, the learned cbiinsel for the defence in the case contending that it was a “ medical comfort.” It was left to Mr Perkins to explain to the Bench that ‘ Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder.” For shame, Mr Perkins. Little Barton,” it will be seen from our telegraphic columns, has at last got to the end of his tether, and is now living in stict retirement in the Wellington Gaol. R.I.P. In Sydney an expedition to New Guinea, has been formed, to start next April. A splendid country has been discovered, where the Natives are partially civilized, are agriculturists and have dwellings, there being capacious harbours, and a river also b££n found 19 fathoms deep, and running % miles inland. The Prince of Wales has appointed the Rev. H. A. Pickard Grand Chaplain to the Grand Lodge of England, in the room of the late Rev. Lake Onslow, The marriage of the Duke of Norfolk is remarkable for two “ signs of the times.” First, that it has been the signal for a general meeting of nearly all the leading Roman Catholic families in Great Britain ; and, secondly, that the new duchess is, like her aunt, Lady Victoria Kirwan, a convert, and not born of the ancient faith.