The Greymouth Illicit Still Case.

Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 111, 11 May 1889, Page 2

The Greymouth Illicit Still Case.

fßr Telegraph. | [UNITED PBKBB ASSOCIATION.] Greymouth, 10th May. The case of alleged illicit distillation occupied the Court all day. A number of other witnesses were examined for the prosecution. Two publicans swore to the accused trying to soil them whisky at 16s per gallon, and telling them he made it np there (meaning Brunnerton). The evidence of alleged experts was called on behalf of the accused to show that the appliances seized were too crude and altogether inadequate for the manufacture of whisky. The case now hangs upon the interpretation of the 121 th section of the Distillation Act, whether the onus of proof rests upon the defendant to show how he came by the whisky seized on the premises, or on the prosecutor to show that it was illicit whisky. The Magistrate will give judgment to-morrow morning. This Dat. The Resident Magistrate delivered judgment in the illicit distillation cases. He said ho had no doubt that Taylor had been making whisky on the premises, and that it was the made whisky that was seized, but the evidence on that point was defective. However, he found him Guilty on two charges— first, for having more than the lawfnl quantity of spirits in the brewery, for which he would be fined £25, or three months' imprisonment; and second, for having a quantity of spirits in his possession on which duty had not been paid, holding that the onus of proof rested on defendant to show how he came by the spirits, and whether the duty was paid. He would be fined on this charge £100, or three months' imprisonment. Taylor was taken to gaol.