UNIQUE LICENSING POINT.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43075, 30 March 1907, Page 4

UNIQUE LICENSING POINT.

A! unique point in connection with, licensig prosecutions was raised by Inspector O'Brien during.'the -cones© of a prosecution at Port, Chalemrs the other day, -says, the 'Otago Dailv Times. The licensee of the Marine Hotel was charged* with, having sold liquor to an intoxicated person, who had beenr arrested by the local sergeant and a con- | stable in the open bar, behind which defendant’s daughter was serving at .the time. After the police witnesses had been called and the case for the ■ prosecution apparently closed, Inspec j I tor O’Brien electrified the Court by calling the licensee as a witness for the prosecution. Defendant’s solicitor (iMr Honlon) objected strongly, whilst the Bench lokied perplexed for a moment: Inspector O'Brien persisted in his right to Call the licensee as a witness, and in support thereof quoted; <c Tbe Evidence Further Amendment • Act, 1905,” which provides that a judge] or justice-may require any person to> be examined! as a witness.” The Mag-; istrate overruled! the objection, and the licensee and his daughter were both sworn in the ordinary way, and giaive evidence against themselves, as though they were witnesses for the! prosecution. In view' of the cinoumstanefets a comparatively small fine was imposed. This is probably the first time that advantage has been taikeni of thie Act referred to during the course of a licensing prosecution in the local Court®.