SLY-GROGGING.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1920, Page 5

SLY-GROGGING.

RAID AT AUCKLAND. MAXIMUM FINE IMPOSED ON ACCUSED. Auckland, Jan. 10. The sequel to a Taid on the Stars and Stripes restaurant on the night of Thursday last was enacted at the Police Court this afternoon before Mr Wilson, S.M., when the keeper of the house, Marigan Milicith, an Austrian, was charged with selling liquor on unlicensed premises. The history of the raid as recounted by the sub-inspector showed that the police had their suspicions aroused as far back as October last by observing men drunk in the proximity of the premises. On January sth a plain-clothes constable approached a man outside the premises with a plea for a "spot," and was introduced to the keeper. His observations convinced him that an extensive trade in liquor was being carried on.

Three nights later the police raided Milicich's establislijnent and procured about £2O worth of liquor, comprised of beer on tap, various spirits and wines. There was ample evidence that extensive drinking had been carried on, said the sub-inspector, inquiries showing that Milicich had bought large quantities from a wholesale dealer in town and also from a hotel. The total value of the purchases had been about £IOO, and this had been retailed at about 100 per cent, profit. The sub-inspector added that this sly-grogging was a serious menace to the community and had resulted in a marked increase in Sunday drinking. Defendant pleaded guilty, and the maximum fine of £SO was inflicted, an order being made for the forfeiture of the liquor and the payment of costs. Other charges arising out of the raid are proceeding this afternoon.