DETERMINED SLY GROGGING

Evening Star, Issue 19044, 12 September 1925, Page 2

DETERMINED SLY GROGGING

AN ASHBURTON CASE [Teh United Puess Association.] ASHBURTON, September 11. “ Years ago he was a decent, respectable man, but he got oil the rails, and lias been steadily getting worse ever since. Now lie can’t help himself. Whisky is as much a necessity for Jus continued existence as bread is to the average man.” These words were used by Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., in sentencing James Oliver Scott to three montlis’ hard labor for keeping liquor for sale in Ashburton. “ Pin sorry for Syott, and I am satisfied thrft if ho goes on like this much longer he will have to go to another Government institution. In fact, I am not sure, that I shouldn’t have Mr '■ examined now.” Mf Mosley said that the Licensiuj Act of the country wanted remodelling. It did not apply to modern re* quiremonts. “It will be a difficult task,” ho said, “ but it must be done, and the sooner the better. Greater power should be entrusted to the court lor dealing with cases like this one. With Scow it is a disease, and it is impossible for the punishment of this court to have the clicct of stopping it. Greater discretion should bo given to the court.” “Tins sly grog business has become very determined, •’ said Senior-sergeant Mathieson. “We ha\e complaints iroia dances and socials that fccoi-t can be found outside llio doors dropping bottles and selling to youths tinder ago. When you buy a bottle you are always told- ‘Tins is the last,' and there is only one chance in a hundred of catching" the law breakers. _ Since this man was released from gaol in I* obruary lie has nut done ono day’s honest work, but has assisted liis brother in tins nefarious business.” Scott protested at Ibis, denying the charges, and, turning to the Bench, said- “Give me, a month in gaol, or three montlis, the maximum,_ and I’ll turn right when 1 come out.” liis Worship said that fie did not think Scott capable of keeping Ms promises, and sent Mm to gaol fot throe months, remarking: “ H this were a licensed town it would be a lot bettor for this class of man. Ho wouldn’t have the same inducement to drink.”