THIRSTY FARM WORKERS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 16, 28 February 1941, Page 3

THIRSTY FARM WORKERS

CAUGHT BY POLICE AFTER HOURS The licensee of the Doyleston Hotel, R. W. Jackman, was charged that on January 25 he sold liquor after hours. Mr Lyons appeared for the defendant >\ and lodged a plea of guilty. Constable Smith said that Const. Nesbit and he, when visiting the hotel at 9.23 p.m. on January 25, entered the bar. The licensee was behind the bar and six men were in front. On the counter were eight used glasses. The licensee admitted that he had served the men, who were all local residents.

Constable Nesbit said that the hotel was as well conducted as any in the city.

Mr Lyons said that the men found in the hotel were all farmers or farm labourers living in the locality. It had be_en an extremely hot summer and the men that day had not been able to get away from work for a drink, until the day's work had been finished. It was then about nine o'clock. They were thirsty and the licensee, being but human did not refuse to give them a drink. The hotel was well conducted by the licensee.

The Magistrate: Why didn't you lay in a stock before closing time? One of the men concerned: There was no chance; we were working a couple of miles away. The Magistrate: You didn't lay in a keg. The man: It would not keep; there would be too many men around .it. Sydney Hoskin, who appeared and pleaded guilty; William Lambie, who did not appear but wrote a letter admitting the charge^ Stanley Fussell, who did not appear; George Robb, who sent a letter admitting the charge; Arthur Schmack, who was present and pleaded guilty; George Martin, who did not appear; and Leonard W. Coleman, w2io wrote a letter admitting the charge, were all charged with being found on licensed premises after hours.

The licensee was fined £3, with 10/- costs added and the other defendants were each fined 10/- and ordered to pay costs 10/-, and in one case 12/-.