"RONA FIDE TRAVELLERS.

Evening Post, Volume LXII, Issue 79, 30 September 1901, Page 6

"RON A FID E TRAVELLERS.

George P. Payne, licensee of the Western Hotel, appearod bofore Mr. W. R. Haseiden, S.M., this morning, charged with Sunday trading. Mr. Myers prosecuted .and Mr. Skerrett defended. Sergeant Cullen deposed that he entered the hotel at about 8.15 on the evening of Sunday Ist September, and saw John Howie drinking at the bar, which was lighted and open. Colin Camp" bell was also at the bar, but was not drinking. John Howie deposed that he was a fii eman on the steamer Tarawera, which arrived from Lyttelton at about 1 p.m. on tho Sunday in question. His work being finished at noon, he went to> hod, and in the evening Campbell came to the ship for him, and they went up town. It was optional with tho stewards on the steumer (if thore were any) to supply drink. If » could not be forced to do so. Witness asked defendant for refreshments, stating thut ho had just arrived from Lyttolton, and was tv bona fide traveller. His Worship— What do you call a bona fide traveller? Witness— Well, I don't know much about New Zealand law, but in Scotland if you'arrivo by a boat at nigtht you are entitled to a drink anywhere. If you come from Ireland or the Highlands of Scotland you cwi have a drink in any hoter. The witness added that Campbell, also told defendant that he had just arrived by the Tarawera from Lyttelton. His Worship — Which you knew wasn't true. — i ' Witness— Woll, of course it was nothing to do with mo. "A drink was drawn for Campbell, but it was neither drunk nor paid for. Witness did not have a drink that day before or after. The bar was opened after witness and Campbell said they wore bona fide travellers. It was stated that Campbell's whereabouts is not known. • Mr. Skenett admitted that the Tarawera arrived at 0.10 p.m. on tho day in question. Mr. Skerrett called the defendant and a carpenter named John P. Hoffman, who confirmed tho last witness in that Howie and * Campbell stated that they were bona fide travellers and had just arrived from Lyttelton. His Worship informed defendant* that there were other points on which applicants for liquor should bo questioned, beyoud the mere travellers. It must be ascertained that the applicant had slept moro than threo miles away tic night before, that ho had just arrived, and that he had not previously assuaged his thirst, v After further argument, his Worship remarked that it was a startling proposition that a wholo crew arriving on Sunday morning might bo served with liquor on Sunday night. The question to be decided was whether tho defendant acted bona fide. Mr. Skerrett contended that it was clear that dofeudunt had acted bona fide, though he had not asked any question as to whether the customers' thirst had been previously assuaged. His Worship stated that if a man arrived at 12 noon he was not entitled to, get drink at 8 p.m. He would give his judgment in writing.