A PICNIC IN THE RECREATION GROUNDS.

Taihape Daily Times, 2 April 1919, Page 5

A PICNIC IN THE RECREATION GROUNDS.

ITS SEQUEL IN COURT,

On Friday, February 14th, a convivial party,, consisting of Andrew O’Neill, John Jackson, John Cryer, Algol! Bo- from, and two or three others, held, what one of- the parties humorously described as a “picnic” in the Recreation Ground in the early hours in like morning. The disciples of B'acchus were discussing jar of beer between them, when Constable Sheehan “blew in” to take a hand in the proceedings. The constable’s advent put rather a damper on the merry gathering. Two of the party, Andrew O’Neill and John Jackson, were prohibited (persons, >nd John Cryer an'd Algott B'Utrora wore accused of supplying O’Neill and Jackson with liquor. ”' v . Constable Sheehan said he paid a visit to the /Recreation Ground on the morning in question, and found the men indulging in drink. The scene* was a disgraceful tone.

John Cryer was called, and after »ome hesitation whether He should enter the prisoner’s panel or the witness box, decided on the latter. After being sworn in, John promptly interrogated Constable Sheehan as tx> whether he had ..ecu him (Cryer) supplying the prohibited pair with liquor. No answer being .forthcoming,Cryer proceeded ■<> «xulnin to the S.M. that ho wont to the Rec. between 7 and 9 a.nn, and saw some men having a “picnic” in which beer played a prominent part. He helped them to drink it. Others, not ho, fetched the beer. •.; ... i '> \ :

Cross-examined by the police, Cryer said he knew O’Neill was “scratched,” and, in answer to the Magistrate's look of inquiry, explained that “scratched” meant to bo prohibited from obtaining liquor. Ho informed the 'Court: he was very particular with whom he drank.

Tho Magistrate did not appear satisfied with the explanation, (paying he would reserve his judgment till tho other cases were heard. William Fulton was also charged, but Mr Onglcy secured an adjournment till next Courtl day.

Algott Bostrom was changed with supplying liquor to prohibited persons, and was defended by Mr Ongley. Constable Sheehan repeated his evidence as to finding Algott one of the picnic party on the day in one} - tion.

Bostrom, an elderly 'mian. Avith a foreign accent, on being sworn, 'kissed' the book with gycat fervour, and glanced somewhat timidly round the Court. He said he did not know Jackson, but had th* pleasure of the acquaintance of Mr 0 ’Neill, and had a drink or two with the latter. He did not know ho was prohibited, or he would not have drunk with him. Mr Hewitt said wit no -s ’ evidence was not convincing, land, Ihc Avould make the fine a substantial one. Both Cryor and Bostrom would be fined £5 each, in order to fix the occurrence of this unlucky Friday in their memories. Several of the other “picnickers” will appear before the Magistrate at soon as the police get in touch Avith them.