SLY GROG RAID.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1936, Page 7

SLY GROG RAID.

ON CHRISTMAS EYE. MUCH LIQUOR SEIZED. PRINCIPAL PINED £80. When the name of Richard Elisha Taylor was called in the Police Court yesterday it was the signal fol numerous constables to proceed to the prisoners' room and for each to return carrying boxes stacked full of various brands of liquor, mostly beer. In a few moments one side of the Court near the bench of Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., resembled the bottle store of ah hotel. This liquor comprised all that was seized by a party of police sergeants and constables when, under the direction of Sub-Inspector D. Scott, they raided the premises of the Auto Social Club on the top floor of Pacific Buildings, Wellesley Street, 01 Christmas Eve. Taylor, the manager of the club, was

charged, on three summons informations, with selling liquor without a license on December 20, 23 and 24. Three others were also charged on summons, Leslie Dickson, Stanley W. Budd and Walter K. Hall. Dickson and Budd ; were charged with aiding and abetting Taylor on the three dates mentioned, while Hall was charged with aiding and abetting him on two, and also with being found on the premises. Sub-Inspector Scott prosecuted. Mr. F. W. Schramm represented Taylor, Budd and Dickson, and Mr. Bainbridge appeared for Hall. Pleas Amended. All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, but after much evidence had been given, Mr. Schramm, following a consultation with Taylor, announced that Taylor and Budd would amend tliejr pleas to guilty. "In view of the evidence your Worship has heard, it is useless to proceed with defence," said Mr. Schramm. "There has evidently been some loose method at this club, which is an incorporated club, and there is no doubt whatever that liquor was sold there. Dickson was only the liftman and a paid servant of t.he club." Sub-Inspector Scott said the club was established by Taylor in August last. There were two lounges, a billiard room, dance room and dining room. As the result of complaints, a constable in plain clothes was instructed to visit the club and endeavour to purchase liquor. He did so on three different days, December 20, 23 and 24. Constable J. B. Lander was the constable assigned to this job. He said he accompanied another man and two women to the club, arriving there at 10.30 p.m. on December 20. The man with whom witness went was told that "everything was all right" and "to go in." They all entered a lounge and from a steward the man who was with witness ordered four pint bottles of ale. These were supplied at 1/ per bottle. "On four occasions after that I shouted for the party, buying 16 bottles of ale at 1/ each," said the constable. Witness said there were between 40 and 50 people there that night, including several women. They all appeared to go there for drinking purposes. Budd served the liquor. Witness said Dickson seemed to be employed working the lift. Several brands of ale were served. Only once witness saw whisky served. He saw only one man under the influence of liquor. The others were quite sober. "I was made a member of the club,"' lie added. "I paid 5/, but was told that the annual subscription was £1 1/ per year. I was given a membership card (produced). Taylor asked me if I knew the rules of the club. He told me, when I wanted to get upstairs and the main doors below were closed, to ring the bell three times. He also told me I could bring my friends along, but he told me not to bring the police along." (Laughter.) Seizure of Liquor. Evidence concerning the issue and execution of the search warrant on December 24 was then given by SubInspector Scott. He said he conducted the raid with Sergeants Dunn, Bissett, Brady, Jones and several constables. Witness said he saw a number of people drinking in the lounge. Several were under the influence of liquor, particularly two men who were apparently fighting. He saw Taylor, who said he was the manager and enrolled all new members. Mr. Schramm: You made inquiries about the quantity of liquor supplied to the club. None was supplied in Taylor's name? —That is so. I found that 214 dozen was supplied in one month. To Mr. Bainbridge (for Hall) SubInspector Scott said he did not know that the first lounge was sublet to Hall in connection with another club. The representative cjf an estate agent was called and said the club premises were leased to the Auto Social Club, an incorporated club, in September last for three years. Taylor, as the manager, always paid the rent by cheque. It was after the evidence of Sergeant Bissett had been taken that Mr. Schramm announced that Taylor and would change their pleas to those of guilty. Mr. Bainbridge said he would not amend his plea for Hall, as so far there was no evidence against him. " Should be Sent to Prison." Mr. McKean: This seems to be a club which was incorporated so that one can drink when other places are closed. Sub-Inspector Scott then handed to the magistrate a list containing a previous conviction with a fine of £50 for sly grog selling in May last, against Taylor. "Your Worship might remember that was the occasion when a girl of 15 years was supplied with liquor." "I do remember," said the magistrate, second offence of this nature Taylor should be sent to prison." Mr. Schramm: I trust your Worship will not do that. Mr. McKean: I will sentence him at 2.30. The evidence to-day shows that this club was conducted in a way that should not be permitted and that if the substantial penalty imposed a few months ago has had no restraining effect, then Taylor should be sent to prison. I have no doubt what the real objects of this club are and also what goes on there. On the first charge Taylor was fined £80, in default three months' imprisonment; on the second he was convicted and sentenced to come up in six months if called upon; on the third he was convicted and ordered to pay costs. He was given time to pay. Budd was convicted and fined £5 on I the first charge and on the others was convicted and ordered to pay costs 10/ and to corrte up for sentence if called upon within six months. He was allowed 14 days to pay. Dickson was fined £2 and costs 10/ and was also ordered to come up within the same time if called. Hall on the first charge was fined £2. He was convicted and ordered to pay costs on the second. The third charge was withdrawn. He was given 14 days Hikurangi swamp.