“SLY-GROG"

Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1921, Page 6

“SLY-GROG"

FINE OF £4O. AN AWAKINO CASE. Charges of keeping liquor for sale at Awakino (in a proclaimed area) was preferred against Janies Ross, an elderly man, in the Magistrate’s Court, New Plymouth, yesterday. Defendant was represented by Mr. P. B. Fitzherbert, who entered a plea of not guilty? For the prosecution Inspector Hutton stated that Ross was a blacksmith at Awakino, having been a resident there for about twelve months. It was admitted that when he took up residence at Awakino, Ross had nothing, but since he had been there he had purchased property. In the period mentioned in the information, February 20 to April 5, Ross was supposed to have consumed five cases of liquor, or an average of nine bottles per week, which was a quantity impossible for one man to get through. Constable Blaikie gave evidence, that on March 30 he examined the mail coach at Mokau and found a case of whisky addressed to RosS, at Awakino. Witness interviewed Ross on April 8 and he admitted receiving the case on March 30, and also one on April 4. He alleged that some of the liquor in the last case had been stolen, but he would not give any inforinatibn as to whom he suspected. An examination of Ross’ premises showed there were seven whisky bottles inside, and in the yard there were a further twelve "empties.” He also found 15 half-size empty’ whisky bottles. Ross stated all the liquor he had procured came from the Urenui Holel.

To Mr. Fitzherbert: He had not been able to trace any sale of liquor by Ross. At times Ross was a heavy drinker. Witness had never heard of a man being able to drink a bottle of whisky a day and stand up to it. Residents had suggested to witness that Ross had been sly-grogging. He did not think it possible that defendant had consumed all the liquor himself. Evidence was given by Ross, who stoutly denied ever having sold liquor. Mr. Fitzherbert. speaking on defendant’s behalf, said he knew Ross personally as a heavy drinker, and it was common for him to get through large quantities of liquor. After reviewing the case His Worship fined defendant .DR), and ordered him to pay costs-(.£3 15s). Ross was allowed a month in which to pay.