HEAVIER FINES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 272, 16 November 1936, Page 8

HEAVIER FINES.

DRUNKENNESS CASES.

COMMENTS BY MAGISTRATE.

LONG JUST OF OFFENDERS.

Heavier fines for drunkenness were foreshadowed by Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., in the Police Court this morning. On the charge sheet appeared the names of 27 men charged with drunkenness—an unusually large number, e\ en for a Monday morning. This was commented 011 by the magistrate. We have a very large list for drunkenness this morning, Mr. Fox," said Mr. Wilson. "I notice that the list has been increasing steadily all this year." . Sub-Inspector Fox: That is*so, sir. I think the increased sustenance allowance is. partly responsible for this. "Well, if it continues in this way we will have to increase the fines ior drunkenness," said Mr. Wilson. I think vou had better take a heavier bail m future, Mr. Fox. The police had better make the bail £1 instead ot the customary 10/." A little later the magistrate asked the sub-inspector if he could give any reason for the marked increase 111 cases of drunkenness. "What is the explanation of all this drunkenness on Saturday?" he asked. "None of our men can suggest why there should be so much," said Mr. Fox. After the Court had adjourned a constable suggested an answer to the magistrate's question. He pointed out that sustenance payments wero made on Thursday, and also that many men employed 011 Public Works near the city received their wages 011 Friday. • On Saturday' special trains arrived from all parts of*the North Island bringing many visitors to a big sporting event. Many could not leave their homes until yesterday, and many were "frightfully thirsty."