DRASTIC NEW LAW.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 May 1925, Page 7

DRASTIC NEW LAW.

MAKING INDIANA “DRY.” The new Prohibition laws in Indiana are acknowledged to be tlie most drastic in tlie history of the State, and make the possession of “half a pint” an offence punishable by a fine of £2OOO and a minimum of thirty days in gaol. The “dry” leaders are jubilant, and declare that at least one State in the Union will have real Prohibition, because the new’law encourages every man to spy upon his neighbour, and the sworn statement of any citizen that a person possesses an ounce of spirits is sufficient warrant for a search of premises. Discovery of any liquor will l»c accepted as prima facie evidence of guilt. The Bill, as originally drawn by the Anti-Saloon League, declared that the odor of intoxicasts on tlie breath of a person is accepted as evidence of intoxication, but the provision was rejected by the State Congress on the ground that the Courts would be required to appoint official

breath-smellers.” Under the new code purchasers of liquor are equally guilty with sellers. Railway conductors trainmen, and station employees are empowered to arrest persons suspected of transporting liquor. The wife or children of a man injured by a motorcar driven bv an intoxicated person may recover heavy damages from those who furnished the driver with liquor. For -a third conviction for possession of liquor a prison sentence for a term not to exceed two years must be imposed. The enemies of the new law contend it will encourage the wholesale blackmailing of citizens, and have other harmful results.