MENAGE TO MAORIS

Evening Star, Issue 21708, 1 May 1934, Page 12

MENAGE TO MAORIS

CHINESE LIQUOR SELLER (P*k Uhitid Press Assocutior.] GISBORNE, April 30. “ The accused had a warning from the police, and there is no doubt that he is a menace to the Maori community,” said Mr E. L. Walton, S.M., to-day in imposing fines totalling £25 and costs on a Chinese named Willie Hong for supplying liquor to Maoris. Three charges were, preferred against the accused of supplying wine to Native women and two of supplying wine to Native males in the Takltimu district, where liquor is not allowed to be supplied to Natives. The accused pleaded guilty. Senior-sergeant Wade said that the arrest of two Maoris in a state of drunkenness led to further inquiries, and it was found that wine had been purchased by the accused, who supplied it to the Natives. The police had been looking for Hong for a long time, as it was known that he had been supplying liquor to Natives. A party would be held at Hong’s house and liquor consumed. Counsel for the accused said that male Maoris went with Hong to purchase the wine. Hong believed that he could provide the Maoris with .hospitality. The Senior Sergeant said that Hong had been previously warned against supplying liquor to Maoris. The Magistrate imposed a fine of £5 on each charge, with costs.