THE LIQUOR LAWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1920, Page 5

THE LIQUOR LAWS.

CASE AGAINST PRIVATE HOTEL. PROPRIETOR OF "CARGEN" IN COURT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. In the Police Court to-day, Edward Francis Black, proprietor of the "Cargen" private hotel, was charged with having sold whisky, beer and stout without a license.

Sub-Inspector Wohlmanii said that a plain clothes constable was sent to board there, and at various times gave orders to servants for liquor, which, was placed in his room, money being given to the porter on one occasion. In this connection it wap not affirmed that Black had actually sold liquor, which might Lave been obtained outside. The charge related to liquor ordered on a Saturday evening after six o'clock and delivered to the bedroom on Sunday. The constable subsequently paid for the liquor and received a receipt for it. On Christmas Eve the police raided "Cargen." Defendant said that to compete with licensed houses he' was in the habit of giving away about three bottles of whisky a day to guests. Boarders would also give orders, and liquor would be obtained outside, and it frequently happened that the amounts so due were charged up in accounts. As regards the Sunday incident, defendant said he used to borrow from a boarder.

Asked to name one from whom it was likely liquor had been borrowed, the defendant named one who had died a fortnight previously. The Sub-Inspector said the defendant readily disclosed his stock of liquor, which included a considerable quantity. Mr. Reed, for the defence, said the case was a peculiar one, as a great deal depended on what the Magistrate held constituted a sale. There was no question of loose drinking in the hotel. Although it was admitted the order was received, no one could be found who had placed liquor in the bedroom on the Sunday. The hearing was adjourned.