GOSTLY CHAMPAGNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1412, 24 March 1905, Page 3

GOSTLY CHAMPAGNE.

PRESIDENT OF MAORI COUNCIL -"FINED.

Per, Press ’Associationj

Auckland, last night

Captain Maif, President of the Maori Council, who has been in attendance at the Maori Conference held in Tamatekupua, Ohinemutu, was rather surprised on Tuesday evening last, when he was charged with violation of the Maori Counoil’s byelaws and fined £5. It appears that during the Governor’s visit Captain Mair,_ in I order that His Excellency would be right royally and loyally entertained, brought I into the great meeting a bottle of champagne. There is a bye-law prohibiting spirituous liquors of any kind being brought into the pa, and particularly into Tamatekapua, the penalty for a violation of which is the amount stated. Prior to the closing of the Conference on Tuesday evening the chairman commented on the action of Captain Mair, stating that, however much the Council regretted having to J inflict the fino, they felt that they must be consistent. Captain Mair expressed regret at having broken the bye-law. It had been done without thought. He admitted the consistency of the Council, and expressed his willingness to pay the fine. The Bev. E. Bennett, Maori missionary, complimented the Council on its consistency, and regretted the occurrence. He was prepared to contribute towards the fine, knowing that Captain Mair had not broken the law wilfully. Others present intimated their willingness to contribute towards the fine, but Captain Mair de-clined-any assistance. He had broken the law, and like BDy other man must be prepared to pay the penalty.