LICENSING CASE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 111, 12 May 1902, Page 8

LICENSING CASE.

At the Police Court this afternoon T. G. Eaynes, licensee of the Ponsonby Club Hotel, was charged with selling- liquor on April 21st to one Eleanor Benjamin, as person already in a state of intoxication. There was a further charg-e against defendant of permitting- drunkenness on his premises on the same date. Defendant, for whom Mr H. Campbell appeared, pleaded not guilty to both charges. Mr J. A_ Tole prosecuted.

Constable Dunne deposed that on the day in question he noticed a woman named Benjamin wheeling a perambulator in the direction of the Three Lamps. She was staggering, as if under the influence of liquor. Witness on passing her noticed that she was drunk, and waited to see if she would go home. She went into i the hotel, and witness, after waiting a couple of minutes, followed her in. On going in he found the woman sitting at a table in a room off the passage. Two bottles were on the table in front of her, and a glass containing 1 some liquid. Witness said to the licensee, who was in the room, "Surely you haven't served that woman with liquor?" He replied, "Yes,, what's the matter?" Witness said, "Can't you see she is drunk?" Defendant then said he could see she was drunk, and that he was glad the constable had drawn his attention .o it. He said he would not have served her had he noticed it before. Witness tasted the liquor in the glass, and found it to be whisky and soda water. Defendant handed the woman a coin, which looked like a florin. .. ' (Proceeding.)