Chinese Opium Smokers Flout Law

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 December 1932, Page 8

Chinese Opium Smokers Flout Law

A DEN OF INIQUITY.

£267 IN FINES IMPOSED

AUCKLAND, Last Night

Twice within ten days a party of detectives have raided the premises at 123 Grey Avenue and found a number of Chinese smoking opium. On the last occasion seven Chinese were lined, and this morning, following the raid yesterday afternoon, another eight appeared before Mr. McKean, S.M., in the Police Court, when their fines totalled £267, Wong Hum, a gardener, aged ii, who a week ago was fined £IOO, was again charged With allowing his premises to be used for the smoking .of opium. He pleaded guilty.

“Sis appearance indicates either that he intends to disregard the law oj.&at the last penalty was. not big enough,” said Mr.- McKeen.

•’ Accused was fined £l5O, in ■ default three months’ imprisonment.

Sevt?i Chinese were charged with being unlawfully on premises for the purpose of smoking opium. All pleaded guilty with the exception of one, the charge against whom was dismissed.

‘‘They are only a lot of parasites and drug addicts,” said Mr. Kelly. ‘‘They were given time to pay last week, and here they are again. Most of them were before the court last week.”

Mr. McKean: ‘T didn’t recognise any of them."

Mr. Kelly: “They were in the "same den as before. They had a lot of fresh material. It was the same keeper and the place was going as strong as ever. The den is a hole of * iniquity.” /Mr.' McKean: “I am surprised that, they have appeared so soon again. 1 will have to double their fines.”

Fines ranging from £l2 10s to £25 were imposed. _____