TOURISTS LAPSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 49, 27 February 1935, Page 8

TOURISTS LAPSE.

GUARDED IN HOSPITAL DRUNKENNESS DENIED. "This man is a tourist who recently arrived from England to write a book on New Zealand," said Senior-Sergeant Flanagan, in the Police Court this morning, when Roderick Douglas Nish, aged 34, described as a marine engineer, appeared on a charge of helpless drunkenness on February 2. Nish pleaded not guilty. Constable Allan said he arrested Nish in Hobson Street at 7.35 p.m. on February 2. He appeared to be suffering from the effects of liquor, and was ordered to the hospital by a doctor. ''I am denying this charge because I had no liquor either on February 2 or the day before," said Nish. "You had liquor at some time, because when arrested vou were in the D.T.'s/' said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. "Thie man arrived at Auckland only a couple of days prior to his arrest and he had been staying at a city hotel." said Mr. Flanagan. "He did" not get liquor at tho hotel. I think he had it on the ship. He was in hospital from February 2 until February 19, and his hospital bill amounts to " £10 4/. In addition three constables were on duty on eight-hour shifts every day watching him in hospital for 17 days. The charge is £1 per day for each sonstable, so this bill amounts to £51." Mr. Hunt (to Nish): Now you see what you have coet this country. Nish: I will be able to pay. I have a few pounds and I am expecting a draft from Home. Mr. Flanagan said Nish seemed to be well connected in England and was shortlv to get some money. Tho" charge was dismissed and on the magistrate'* advice, Nish took out a prohibition order.