EKETAHUNA AND THE DRY AREA

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9675, 14 December 1909, Page 5

EKETAHUNA AND THE DRY AREA

BREACHES OP THE LICENSING ACT.

SOME HEAVY PENALTIES

OTHER CHARGES DISMISSED.

Considerable interest was taken in the proceedings- attached to the hearing of the charges in connection with breaches of the Licensing .act at Eketahuna yesterday. They were the first liquor cases to be ventilated in Eketahuna since the Masterton electoral district was declared a "dry area." The cases did not occupy a great length, but the Court was crowded during the whole time. Mr R. H. Turton, S.M., [presided Mr C. A. Pownall, of Masterton, appeared for defendants in each case, 'and'lnspector Ellison, of Wellington, appeared for the prosecution. Agnes Richmond Blackie, niece of David Hope Johnston, formerly of the Ranfurly Hotel, Eketahuna, was charged with having sold liquor on November 11th, 1909, at Eketahuna, within the no-license district of iu aster ton. Mr C A. Pownall appeared or defendant, and pleaded not guilty, and Inspector Ellison prosecuted for the pdlice. His Worship,, after hearing the evidence, said that he intended to conv.icf, and had it not been .for the fact that she was not acting for heirself be would hava fined her heavily ; as lit was he would impose a fine of £25 and costs. A similar charge was preferred against Maggie Johnston, formerly licensee of the Ranfurly Hotel. A fine of £SO and costs was imposed by Mr Turton, who stated that he had already imposed three fines of £as each, and if people wanted to get drink they could do so through the proper channels. David Hope Johnston was also charged with selling liquor, and was mulcted in a fine of £SO and costs. A charge against Maggie Johnston and David Hope Johnston of keeping liquor for Bale was withdrawn, on the application of Inspector Ellison. CHARGES DISMISSED. Mai*y Kelliher was charged with selling liquor on November 18th, a similar, charge being preferred against Maurice Kelliher. jtfoth informations were dismissed. Further charges of keeping liquor for sale were preferred against the two last defendants, and were dismissed.