DRUNKENNESS DEFINED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2707, 13 March 1924, Page 2

DRUNKENNESS DEFINED.

THE difference between intoxication and drunkenness was briefly debated at the Wellington Arbitration Court this week, when the definition of seamen’s misconduct was being discussed. His Honour (Mr Justice Frazer) maintained that they were entirely different conditions. Mr Youug said that the Chief Justice had expressed the opinion that a man was drunk when he laid himself down in the gutter and could not get up again. “The Chief Justice has given a rather awkward

definition from your point of view,” replied his Honour. “He says a man is intoxicated if by reason of the liquor lie has taken his physical and mental faculties have departed from the normal. Well, you know, that happens after one drink. Mr Justice Williams's definition is, when, by reason of the liquor consumed, a mail is in such a condition that a reasonable-minded person, who is neither a publican nor a pi’ohibitionist would say that he had had enough, and should not lie given any more.” His Honour said that the condition was progressive. Tt star ted from a state of complete sobriety. but at the other end. when a man could not fake any more, or could not ask for any more, he was drunk. “If reminds me of a case that came before a well-known Wei - lington Magistrate,” said Mr Young. “A gentleman came before him one morning charged with being drunk. He was very indignant, and said he was not drunk, hut merely intoxicated. The Magistrate said, T_did intend to fine you 10/-, hut. after hearing your explanation, I have decided to make it only half a sovereign.’ ”