LIQUOR IN NO-LICENSE AREA

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 298, 10 September 1921, Page 7

LIQUOR IN NO-LICE NSE AREA

APPEAL AGAINST MAGISTRATE’S DECISION. By Telegraph—Spec ini Correspondent. Masterton, September 9. Sitting in Banco to-night, His Honofir Mr. Justice Salmond heard the appeal of John B. Johns, taxi driver, against tne decision of a Magistrate that lie was n carrier of liquor into a no-licenso area Without hoving a copy of the necessary order in his possession. Mr. W. Noble appeared for the appellant, and Mr. R. R. Burridgo for the Crown. The facts on which Johns was convicted in the lower Court were, that on a recent occasion he was engaged by three persons to drive them to the Taueru Hotel and back. While at the hotel the passengers had a jar filled with beer, and they placed it in tho car for return to Masterton. When the patty arrived in town the liquor was seized by the police, who contended that Johns being the carrier should have had a copy of the order. Mr. Noble contended that Johns was not 'the carrier of the liquor, but only the driver of the car; the real carriers were the passengers themselves, who retained custody and control of the liquor. Mr. Burridge contended (hat the taxi driver camo within the definition of a carrier. His Honour reserved his decision.