MOONLIGHT PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 150, 27 June 1935, Page 11

MOONLIGHT PARTY

CHARGE DISMISSED

A moonlight party at Eastbourne and at Upper Hutt was described by a police constable in the Fetone Court yesterday, when Stuart McMinn was charged with selling beer without a licence, but after the first witness for the prosecution had concluded his evidence and answered one question from the counsel for the defence (Mr. R. E. Pope), SeniorrSergeant G. Sivyer said that it was not milch use going on with the case, which was accordingly dismissed by the Magistrate (Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M.). — Constable Gill said that on December 8, 1934, he was on special duty at Eastbourne. In company with another man, he received an invitation to a moonlight party. They went to a vacant section near the Muritai Tennis Club's premises. There was a wooden fence round the section. Mr. McMinn was at the gate taking money, and 4s was charged for a double ticket and 2s for a- single. The party was held on the section. The people were sitting round, and at the back there was a keg of beer, the liquor being sold at 3d.a glass. He had four glasses. McMinn and one or .two others were serving. The people then proceeded to Upper Hutt, where they went through a number of gates to a paddock, where the party was continued. The beer was placed at the back of a lorry, and the same charge was made for it. The people sat round and there was some singing. McMinn arid two other men were serving. The majority of the men were drinking: The party continued until after midnight. McMinn made a speech in which he said that he hoped more parties would be held, and the proceeds would go towards the club's expenses. The people then, returned to Eastbourne. Mr. Pope's first question was, "Is the man who sold the beer in court?" "Yes," replied the constable. "Well, indicate him, please," asked Mr. Pope. The constable indicated a man who was sitting next to counsel. "I am afraid it is not much use going on with thel case if the witness cannot recognise the defendant," said the Senior-Sergeant. The case was dismissed.