LAMBING-DOWN A RABBITER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2247, 31 May 1880, Page 2

LAMBING-DOWN A RABBITER.

[Abridged from the “ Southland Times,” of May 28.]

At the Police Court yesterday Joseph Weavers, licensee of the Fdendale hotel, was charged on the information of the police, with having on the 10th May supplied spirituous liquors to one Eobert Eeid,a rabbitcr, while in a state of intoxication. Inspector Fox conducted the case, and Mr Wade appeared for the defence.

John Forester, of Edenclale, deposed that he had frequently, since the 10th March seen Reid knocking about Edondalc Hotel. On the 10th May witness saw him in Wearers’ hotel going about as usual —the worse forjjdrink, In the morning he was right enough, but as the day went on ho seemed as though he was in a fever from drink, or had the horrors. During the day, and while he was in this muddled state, Mrs Weaver gave him a nip. Witness had not seen Reid thoroughly sober between the 10th of March and the date named in the information.

John Thomson deposed that Reid was about Edendalu for a couple of months, or so, and during that time bad always been iu a muddled state from the ctl’ects of drink. Saw him on May 10 at Weavers’ drinking, but could not .say what he took. Mrs Weavers was supplying the drink to those who asked for it. Did - not know anything about Reid’s monetary matters, beyond what he himsdf had told him. Had heard him complain of having been robbed. Robert Reid, a rabbitcr, deposed that when lie went to Weavers’ house on March 10 last, he had £23 in his possession. This money lasted him eight days. He had a deposit receipt for £2OO placed to his credit in the Colonial Bank at Invercargill, and when his ready money was exhausted he gave Weavers the deposit receipt and told him to draw the cash. Weavers got it, kept £4O, and gave witness £IGO, stating that lie owed him the balance. Could not remember the date, because he had been drinking freely. Acting upon advice, about April 19 witness went to Mrs Muir’s to board, returning to 'Weavers’ about May 10. On that day lie was drunk, and was suffering from

the effects of drink. Did not know what he was about. On the last named date lie was supplied with liquor in the bar, either by Mrs Weavers or her husband. Daring the time be was at Edendale, Weavers,.handed him the following account, which ho, declined to pay. Subsequently Weavers summoned him, and he then arranged the matter by paying £l2 10b : Edendale Hotel,

Witness could not say how much ho actually spent in liquor at Edendale, because he was drunk all the time, and kept no account. Did not know what had become of the balance of bis money (’£l6o), but supposed it had gone in drink. Left Edendale about the 11th inst., with only a few pounds in his possession. His Worship said no case had been made out, and the information would therefore be dismissed. A SECOND CHARGE. Joseph Weavers was further charged with having .supplied Hebert Reid with liquor while in an intoxicated state, between the Ist and 20th of April. Mr Eox again conducted the case, and Mr Wade appeared for the defence. Stewart dill, a station hand, deposed that between the dates mentioned Reid and himself were frequently served with brandy in Weavers’ hotel, though bo could not say if they were supplied by the landlord personally. On April 10 they both had liquor there, Reid being in a state of intoxication at the time, and very dirty. Seeing him in such a state, ho advised him to leave Weavers’ and go to Mrs Muir’s. This advice was given on the Sunday’previous to April ID, and it was acted upon one day later. While at Weavers’ Reid was always drunk. Sometimes Weavers came out and asked witness to come in and have drinks at Robert Reid’s expense. These drinks were served by Weavers. AH this happened before Reid went to Mrs Muir’s—on April It). Witness occasionally played euchre with Reid for “ boozes." (Laughter). Tiled to get him away from Weavers’ to get him cured and cleaned, ho being in a most filthy condition. Eeid told him when he left Weavers’ that he had £SO or £GO, and seeing that his money was getting low witness was anxious to get him away, fearing that he himself might bo rendered liable for his board through his connection with him. Did not know whether Reid received any fresh, clothing from Mrs Muir. Corroborative evidence having been given, the counsel for the defence called, John Joseph Weavers, who denied that Reid had been drunk in either the Edendale hotels —not what witness would call drunk. Never encouraged him to drink in his house, but often restrained him. Never brought people iu to drink at Reid’s expense. The latter was continually calling in people to shout for them. Witness got a deposit receipt from Reid and drew the £2OO, he having lent him £l7 on the strength of the balance in the bank. This £l7 carried him along, and ho managed to avoid sticking up drinks. Gave him £lB3 after drawing the money out of the bank. Witness concluded by stating that it was not true Reid spent a lot of money at his house. Could not what had become of his money, and did not consider it his duty to enquire. Dy Mr Fox —Would swear Reid did not spend £IOO in his house in drinks. Complaints were made by Reid about being robbed, but witness did not make any enquiries, because the party a.c* cuscd.of robbing him had no money iu his possession. This was the defence. His Worship said it was clear from the evidence that Reid was supplied with liquor while in a state of intoxication. He would give his decision on Monday. THIS DAY. [By Telegraph.] At the Police Court, Joseph Weavers was fined £5, the full penalty, and £2 15s costs, for supplying a rabbitcr, named Reid, with drink, while intoxicated, the Magistrate remarking that it was a bad case.

May 4, I860. Mr E. Ecid. Uought of J. J. Weavers. 1880. £. s. d; April 19 —To drinks 1 19 0 99 20—To drinks 1 15 6 99 21 —To drinks 1 9 6 J1 21—To two weeks’ board 2 0 0 99 23 —To drinks 1 7 0 99 24 —To four meals, 8s and drinks (21) ... 1 9 C 26—To drinks 0 19 6 » 27 —To drinks 1 2 6 99 28—To drinks (15s) ; and two gallons ale 1 5 0 29 —To drinks... 0 12 0 30 —To drinks 0 16 0 May 1 —To drinks 0 19 0 )> 3—To drinks 0 10 6 £16 14 6