ILLICIT WHISKY MAKING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3144, 23 March 1909, Page 5

ILLICIT WHISKY MAKING.

HEAVY FINES.

By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON,.March 22.

Maurice John Collins and Thos. Matthews were brought before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., to-day on the following charges:—(l) That they were on March 18th at Adelaide Road unlawfully concerned in making spirits; (2) that they were found in a bouse, No. 41, Adelaide Road, where illicit distillation was then carried on; (3) that they were found in possession or in custody of a utensil suited for distilling. Collins pleaded guilty to being concerned in unlawfully making spirits, and at the request of Mr Bell, the other two charges against him were withdrawn. Matthews pleaded not guilty to the three charges. Both were convicted.' Collins was fined £IOO, and Matthews £SO, the' alternative in each case being six months' imprisonment. Chief Detechive Broberg taid he had gone to the premises onjThursday last. Matthews was standing in the doorway talking to someone. Detectives Cassells and Andrews went past the house to go up a lane to get to the back. Matthews' attention was drawn to them, and he immediately rushed in and locked the front door. Witness and Detective Lewis burst in the front door and found accused en® deavouring to lock the back door. The still was found in a back room.' Matthews admitted that it was a whisky still, and showed them a barrel containing spirits. Matthews said he had been working for accused Collins for three days, and had made the whisky during that time. The still, whisky, anu other utensils, were removed, and accussd taken to the station.