ODOUR OF OPIUM

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 101, 30 April 1937, Page 11

ODOUR OF OPIUM

\ALERT CONSTABLES

SMOKER FINED £25

The faint.odour of opium fumes in a house in Taranaki Street attracted the attention oi two constables visiting the house about another matter, at 9.30 this morning. As a result of their investigation a half-caste Chinese, Jackie Bor, appeared before Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court two hours after the constables' visit, charged with being found in possession of prepared opium and also with having opium-smoking gear. lie pleaded guilty to the first charge, and was fined the minimum, £25, and costs. SubInspector J. Dempsey, who prosecuted, withdrew the second charge. When the accused appeared, Mr. Mosley asked him: "Do you speak English?" ■ The accused: No. ; Mr. Mosley (smiling): How long have you been in New Zealand? The accused: Five years. No interpreter was engaged at the time. Sub-Inspector, Dempsey said that while visiting the house about another matter at 9.30 this morning the suspicions of the constables were aroused by the odour of opium. They found the accused smoking in a room of his own. There was a small quantity of prepared opium, and a jar with some "seconds" in it, as well as two pipes. The accused's fingerprints had been examined, and there, was no record of his having been before the Court previously. ■ Mr. Mosley (to the accused): Can't you leave opium alone? The accused turn:d to two other Chinese at the rear, of the Court and began to gesticulate to them. They also gesticulated in reply. Mr. Mosley (to the Court orderly): Put those men out. When the men had been removed Mr. Mosley asked again: "Can't you leave opium alone?" The accused: No savee. An interpreter was sworn, and after a conversation with the accused; said: "Bor says he is an addict of opium. He went to China when he was very young and there acquired the habit."

The opium and smoking gear were forfeited. The accused was allowed fourteen days to pay. .