LICENSING LAWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 October 1921, Page 6

LICENSING LAWS.

OKATO HOTEL CASE* DECISION RESERVED. The hearing of informations alleging after-hour trading against the licensee of the Okato Hotel, Joseph Mills, was continued in the Magistrate’s Court, New Plymouth, on Saturday, before Mr. A. M. Mowlem, S.M. In conjunction with this case were also heard the charges against five men of being unlawfully on the premises. The defendants were: William Lawn, Harold Roberts, Rua Pou Tenia, Joseph Lawn and Malachi Lawn. The next witness was E. O. Meredith, the former licensee of the hotel, who deposed that the Lawns had stayed at the hotel on occasions during his term. Particulars as to the booking of rooms were given by Ethel May Mills, wife of the licensee, who said that the three Lawns had engaged beds early in the evening, while in the bar. It was later, when the party were in the bar after tea, that she gave them the number of their rooms. To Inspector Murray: The beds were engaged some time between five and six, but no moqey was paid, as it was unusual for her to accept payment beforehand.

At the conclusion of the defence, Mr. Bennett reviewed the facts adduced, and he repeated his application that the charge of keeping open for sale should be dismissed. As to other informations the whole case hinged on the issue of whether the Lawns were bona fide lodgers. In determining this question, counsel said the court should not be misled by the fact that the Lawns did not say they were boarders immediately the police arrived. On the application of Inspector Murray, Constable Parkinson was recalled as to certain statements made by the defendant Roberts, as there was some controversy over his position in the house. When served with the summons, Roberts said: C£ l have expected this. 1 intend to plead guilty. What iis the best thing to do?” Roberts had also informed witness that he was 19 years ■of age on May 20 last. He bached on the Perth Road property. He admitted having been served with liquor, and also having told Mills that he was twentyone years of age.

Mr. Bennett rose to cross-examine the witness, but the Bench ruled as counsel was not appearing for Roberts he could not proceed. Jl,is Worship said he would give his decision on Friday morning, at ten o’clock.