WHISKY FOR THE 'FLU.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 155, 4 July 1927, Page 8

WHISKY FOR THE 'FLU.

DISASTROUS EFFECT ON AN INDIAN. ALCOHOL LEADS TO CRIME LENIENCY FOR FIRST OFFENDER. BUT NO MORE WHISKY. Basi Singh, a native of India, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of false pretences, appeared before Mr. Justice Reeci in the Supremo Court to-day. It was prisoner's first offence. Singh, whose English name it- B. S Basi, is a Punjabi, and, in accordant with a Court ruling at Home which dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria, h« was allowed fo retain his headdress With his black beard and snowy turban he was a striking figure in the dock. A3 he could not speak a word of English, the services of an interpreter (Mr. Mahraj) were enlisted.

Mr. F. D. McLiver, appearing for Basi, said accused was a hard-working man with an excellent character. At the time he committed the offence he was suffering fr6m influenza, and, following the custom of the white man, he took some whisky. Unfortunately it affected him rather badly, and under its influence he was not quite responsible for his actions. The offence was committed by a fraudulent cheque, which he certainly would not have presented had he been in his normal senses. Counsel suggested that it might be a case for probation, with the special proviso that accused should take out a prohibition order. To this his Honor agreed, impressing upon Basi that if he get into trouble again the present case twould be remembered against him. Two years' probation was directed, and accused was also ordered to refund the £12 which he had obtained, and to pay the costs of the prosecution ( £6 19/6).