Plain Speaking.

Evening Star, Issue 8613, 5 September 1891, Page 4

Plain Speaking.

Dealing on Monday with a case against a publican for supplying liquor to a drunken person named Hart, Mr Beetham asked a witness who had spoken of a man being 44 under the influence Everyone is under the influence of liquor when be takes it, or what’s the use of taking it. When do you consider a man so far advanced as to be drunk 7 Witness; When be does not know what he is doing. Mr Beetham : Then you and I differ. Witness; That is as far as I understand the Act allows. Mr Beetham: Some have an idea that a man is only drunk who has to bold on to the ground, but that is not my view. In giving his decision, the Magistrate said a publican had great responsibility in this matter. There wer'e many ways of describing a man’s condition under the influence of drink, but publicans should have their minds sharpened in such a way as to detect where the line should be drawn. It had been said this man was excited, in a merry mood, and so on, and he had no right to be supplied. It was always the last straw which overweighted the camel, and it was the licensee’s business to see that men did not get too merry, or into the state which it was clear Hart had reached when he was struck, and afterwards supplied with more drink. The fine on the first ease wcu'd be L 5, and on this case L 5, with costa to eleven witnesses.

Mr Stringer asked to have one fine remitted in consequence of tbe heavy costs. Mr Beetham replied that it was no nee playing with these matters to reduce fines. Publicans must be aware of their responsibilities.— 4 Timaru Herald.’