ILLEGAL SALES OF LIQUOR

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25678, 15 December 1948, Page 3

ILLEGAL SALES OF LIQUOR

OWNER OF PLEASURE SHIP FINED

MOONLIGHT EXCURSIONS

FROM AUCKLAND (P.A.) AUCKLAND, December 14. Two summons charges of selling liquor without a licence were admitted bv RodI ney Farry. the owner of the excursion ! vessel of the same name, when he appeared before Mr H. Jenner Wily, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day. Senior-Sergeant Southworth said the ship was a Fairmile, converted at a cost of £21,000. It made moonlight excursions from Auckland, and plied for hire between the city and Pine Island. As the result of complaints, police went on two trips, and had no difficulty in buying beer at 3s and 2s 6d a bottle at Pine Island The police noticed liquor being drunk, and it presumably came from the vessel Some persons were under the influence of liquor. “Many young people coming from decent homes who go for trips in this vessel should not have to face the temptation of sly grog being placed before them.” said Senior-Sergeant Southworth. Defendant’s counsel said the vessel was not a floating “gin palace.” The vessel was run in a proper manner. \ The Magistrate said it would be most dangerous if the position were allowed to continue. “It must be stamped out at once.” he added. “Parents are entitled to think that their sons and daughters can go on moonlight and other excursions in full safety. I will take into consideration what counsel has said regarding the manner in which defendant runs his ship, and inflict a fine of £25 on each charge ”