A "SPOT ” REFUSED.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 248, 2 August 1928, Page 6

A "SPOT ” REFUSED.

COFFEE PREFERRED. ♦ Suspicion Not Proof. Patrick Murray and Alexander Storm, of Arapuni, convinced Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., that there was a doubt about an incident which happened in front of the Putaruru Hotel on Saturday afternoon, and which was responsible for their appearance in court. Constable Cotter stated that on June 23 he saw Murray, who was a prohibited person, sitting in Ins motor lorry just past the local hotel. He also saw Storm leave by the back door with a glass which he handed to Murray. The latter K.-Id the glass up and then passed it back and when, witness came up the glass was in Storm’s pocket.

Murray said he had brought in team of footballers on the day in question. He remained in his seat and shortly afterwards Storm came out of the hotel with a glass and offered him a drink. He refused it, and said he was going to have a cup of coffee. He had not told Storm he was prohibited. Cross-examined, Murray stated he would not have taken the drink even if Constable Cotter had not been there. He had no inclination for it. Storm had come out when his back was turned, and said “ here, take this.” He turned and took hold, but when he saw it was a drink he handed it back. Storm stated that as it was a cold day he took a drink out to the driver not knowing that he was prohibited. He had asked the proprietor later if Murray was prohibited, and was told he was not on the list. Murray had not asked him to get a drink. Cross-examined, Storm stated that though it was a cold day he did not know why Murray had not gone in for a drink himself.

After same hesitation the Magistrate remarked that he was a bit doubtful about the ease. The circumstances were very suspicious, but suspicion was not proof. He would give both the benefit of the doubt in the hope it would be _ a lesson to them.