DRINK FOR BOYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1916, Page 3

DRINK FOR BOYS.

A LAD INTOXICATED. BARMAN AND LICENSEE FINED. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., S;»encer Ridglcy was charged with permitting drunkenness on hig licensed premises, the Terminus Hotel, on February 20, and further with supplying liquor to three boys apparently under the age of 21 years. Thomas Elliott, the barman at the Terminus Hotel, was also arraigned on a charge of supplying liquor tn three boys apparently under the age of 21. Sub-Inspeetor Fouhy conducted the prosecution, and Mr. A. H. Johnstone appeared for Ridgley and Elliott. The charges against Elliott were taken first, the defendant pleading not guilty.

The Sub-Inspector said a young man named Mack came to New Plymouth from Awakino on February 29, and he went to the pictures with three other boys. Parker, Gusli, and Johnston. In the interval they went to the Terminus Hotel, where they said they were supplied with liquor by Elliott. One of the hoys became under the influence of liquor, and shortly after going back to the pictures his behavior lead to his arrest.

Gordon Frank Mack said he was 10 years old, and lived near Awakino. He went, to the pictures in New Plymouth on the night of February 20, and was joined by the other boys. In the interval they went to the side bar at the Terminus Hotel, where they saw Elliott behind the bar. Witness identified Elliott in Court. No question was asked about ages. To. Mr. .Tolinstonc: On February 20 lie left Fitzroy between 7 and S p.m., and went straight to the picture?. TTo invited the other bovs to the hot"!. for he had gone to the hotel before, anil this was not the first time he had been drunk.

Evidence was given by the other boys concerned.

After the luncheon adjournment, Mr. Johnstone asked leave to alter the plea of not guilty to one of guilty. Prior to the hearing Mr. Johnstone had not had an opportunity of seeing the boys, and he felt now that at least one of them gave the appearance of being under 21 years of age. The barman, however, had no recollection of the incident, and wished to express regret for what had happened. The Magistrate said a mere glance at the boys should have been sufficient to show the barman that the boys were under 21 years. There appeared to be no mitigating circumstances in the case, and he imposed a fine of £3 on each charge, with 0s costs in each charge.

CHARGES AGAINST LICENSEE. Tim charges against Ridgley, of supplying ttie three boys and with permitting drunkenness in his hotel were then taken. The defendant pleaded not guilty in each case. Sub-Inspector Fouhy said the evidence for the prosecution in these charges would be identical with that given in the previous ease. Mr. .Johnstone admitted the facts as proved that the boys were served by the barman, and that they were under 21 years. The defendant was then called by Mr. Johnstone, and he said he had no knowledge that the boys were on the premises or that they were supplied with liquoV. The Magistrate said there was no evidence to support the charge of permitting drunkenness on the premises, and this charge was dismissed. On the charges of supplying, the Magistrate said the licensee was not morally guilty, but was only technically to blame. It was, however, highly desirable that boys under 21 years Bhould not be supplied with liquor, It was only a technical offence as far as the licensee was concerned, but a conviction would have to be entered, and the licensee would suffer from the faults of the barman. A fine of £1 on each charge was imposed.