ASHBURTON SLY GROGGER.

Shannon News, 18 September 1925, Page 3

ASHBURTON SLY GROGGER.

Ashburton, September 11

"Years ago lie was a decent respectable man, but he got oft tho rails and has been going on steadily getting worse ever since. Now he can't help himself.. Whisky is as much 'a necessity for his continued exist'ence a s bread is to the average man." These words were used by Mr. E. D. Moslcy, S.M., in sentencing James Oliver Scott to three month's hard labour for keeping liquor for sale in Ashburton.

''l'm sorry for Scott, and I am satisfied that if 'he goes on like thi s much longer he will have to go to another Government institution. In fact I am not sure I shouldn't have him examined now.''

Continuing, Mr. Moslcy said: "Tire Licensing Act of thi s country wants remodelling. It docs not apply to modern requirements and some remodelling is needed to make it better for this country, it will be a difficult task, but it must be done and the sooner the better. Power should be entrusted to the Court for dealing with cases like this one. With Scott it is a disease and it is impossible for punishment of this Court to have + he effect of stopping it. . Greater discretion should be given to the Court. "This sly grog business has become very determined," said Senior-Sergeant Mathieson. "We have complaints from dances and socials that Scott can be found outside the doors dropping bottle 8 and selling it to youths under age. These people have been driven out of their homes to sell liquor, and they plant it about here and there. When yoa buy a bottle you are always told "this is the last', and there is only one chance in a hundred of catching them. Since this man was released from gaol in February, he has not done an honest day's work, but has assisted his brother in this nefarious business.' ' ■ Scott protested at this, denying the charges and turning to the bench he said: "Give me a month in gaol or three months, the maximum, and I'll turn right when I eome out." His Worship said he did not think Scott was capable of keeping his promises and sent him to gaol for three months, remarking: "If this was a licensed town it would be a lot better for this class of man. He would not have the same inducement to drink."