ALLEGED ILLICIT STILL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 250, 21 October 1891, Page 5

ALLEGED ILLICIT STILL.

The following evidence was taken in this case yesterday, subsequent to our going to press:—Mr J. A. Pond deposed to having analysed the samples submitted to him. No. 1 contained 10 - 48 per cenb. of proof spirits, No. 2 had nob advanced so far in fermentation. Of the samples submitted by Detective Hughes one contained 23*94 per cent, of proof spirib, and another 13*14 per cent. A condenser would be required to use the apparatus before the Court for purposes of distillation. Henry Parker, Customs officer, deposed thab the apparabus produced might be used as a still. Walter Grey deposed that he was not accustomed to boiling and fermentation to make ginger - wine. Some manufacturers ueed molasses, he did not. Edward Keatley, employee of tiefendanb, deposed that he became aware of the presence of the apartment which contained the still some time ago. He did not know that Mr Downing made a secret of the presence of the still. Sydney Buck, licensee of Gleeson's Hotel, denied any knowledge of the 'presence of that chamber under hia hotel until it was discovered by the police. Olaf Paterson deposed to having delivered a cask of molasses to Mr Downing. At this stage the Court adjourned.