ACCUSED MISSING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 85, 20 January 1928, Page 5

ACCUSED MISSING

SALE OF WHISKY. CASE HEARD !N ABSENCE. FINE OF £25 IMPOSED. Twice previously adjourned because of the non-appearance of accused, the case against William Higgins of having sold half a bottle of whisky to William Tait, in the no-license district of Ashburton, was once more before Mr C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court this morning. The case was first brought up on November 26, but as Higgins did not appear the Magistrate: issued a warrant for his arrest. Two weeks later, when it was called a second time, it was stated that the warrant had not been executed. • , . Higgins was further charged, in conjunction with James Oliver Scott, with having sold one bottle of whisky to William Tait. There was again no appearance of Higgins to-day, and the case proceeded in his absetnee. The case against Scott was adjourned till February 10. William Henry Tait said that on October 30 <a Sunday) he came into Ashburton and went to Scott's- place up Peter Street, where he bought a bottle of whiskv. This was at 2.30 p.m. Higoins produced the whisky and charged witness 25s for it. Two hours later witness bought another half bottle, tor which he paid 15s to Higgins, who was on the road. He went away and procured the bottle for witness. Later, when he went round to Scott's with Constable White, he saw Higgins there, and he identified him as the one who produced the whisky. Lawrence Meaclem, a farm labourer, said that, with the previous witness, he\was residing at Flemmgton on October 30. He drank some of the whisky bought by Tait. Later he saw Tait hand some money to Higgins, who gave a bottle of whisky -in exchange. He heard later the man's name: was Higgins. but at the time he did not know who it was. The Magistrate: So you had a haltbottle of whisky that afternoon?— Yes. And are you used to it?—No. Well you might have seen two men I How old are you ?—Eighteen Constable A. C. White said he went to Scott's stable in Netherby, and took Tait with him. Higgins was there, and was identified by Tait. Higgins denied having sold the whisky. Higgins had previously been found on Scott s premises when they were raided, tie said then that he. was staying with Scott. Scott was working for him. The Magistrate said that on the evidence he would have to convict Higgl A* fine of £25, in default two months' imprisonment, was imposed, together with costs" 16s and witnesses' expenses £4 3s. i