Police Found Saloon

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31143, 20 August 1966, Page 3

Police Found Saloon

(N Z. Press Association) HOKITIKA, Aug. 19. A police constable told the Whataroa Magistrate’s Court yesterday that when he visited a construction. eamp on the West Coast he found a building fitted out as a bar with the sign “Red Dog Saloon.”

A 33-year-old contractor. Maurice Elwin Roberts, of Moeraki, was convicted by Mr H. J. Evans, S.M., on three charges of selling liquor without a licence and three charges of keeping liquor for sale.

Bernard John Alfred, aged 38, a public servant, of Christchurch, was convicted on two charges of aiding and abetting Roberts,

Mr J. Marks appeared for both defendants, who pleaded not guilty. Five persons were charged with being found on premises kept for the unlawful sale of liquor. All defendants were convicted on all charges. The Magistrate reserved his decision on penalties. Constable J. Nixon told the Court he travelled to Moeraki on May 20 and obtained lodgings in a hut. That night he went to a building which was fitted out as a bar. An 18-gallon keg was on tap behind the bar and cigarettes, soft drinks and matches were on sale. On the wall of the building was a sign “Red Dog Saloon. William Bonney, proprietor.” (William Bonney is better known as Billy the Kid.) Another notice listed prices of liquor on sale. Constable Nixon said he'

paid 9d for a seven-ounce glass of beer. Sergeant J. W. Sawers said he searched the camp. He found Alfred behind the bar and five people drinking there. Two were under 21.

J. O’Dpnnell, manager of Westland Breweries, Ltd., said that between January 4 and May 18 the defendant had purchased 50 18-gallon kegs and a quantity of spirits, worth about £5OO. Mr Marks said Roberts had applied for a works canteen licence about four years ago. Roberts said the police had agreed with his application but because of a technicality the licence could not be granted, said Mr Marks. Sergeant Sawers said Roberts told him on May 23 that he ran the bar as a social club for the six men in the camp.