DRY DISTRICT

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12621, 4 December 1926, Page 4

DRY DISTRICT

CANVASSER MAKES A MISTAKE WINE—POLICEMAN—AND COURT “ACTED INNOCENTLY” Wine has been responsible for many things in this world, and has led many people to the courts. Only yesterday the crimson beverage was responsible for the appearance in the Magistrate’s Court of Herbert Davenport Monsell, who was charged with soliciting orders for wine in an unlicensed district. Senior-Sergeant Lander told the court that accused, who pleaded guilty, was employed as a canvasser for a firm in Hawke’s Bay, who produced New Zealand-made wine. He went out to Lyall Bay and visited various houses. Then he made the one big mistake of his career as a canvasser—he called at the residence of Constable Anderson, who later caused him to call at the court —but not for a wine order! Tho act was an offence under tho Licensing Act. Monscll, who had always borne an excellent character, pleaded that he acted in all innocence when canvassing at Lyall Bay. “I have no doubt,” said the magistrate, Mr E. Page, S.M., “that the <ict was done innocently, but you must make yourself conversant with the provisions of the Act.” A fine of £2 was imposed.