BEER AT DANCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32513, 6 December 1944, Page 5

BEER AT DANCE

YOUNG MAN BEFORE COURT INCIDENT NEAR TURUA HALL Charged with being in possession of beer near the Turiia Hall while a dance was in progress on the night of November 1, a young man Arnold Schuler, appeared in the Paeroa Magistrate’s Court before Mr W. H. Freeman, S.M., on Monday. Schuler pleaded not guilty. Constable R. Beasley of Kerepeehi stated that on the night in question a dance had been held’ in Turua and he had been on duty in the vicinity. At about 10.30 p.m.- he had seen four young men including accused leave the hall and walk down the road. He also saw accused leave the others and pick up a bottle out of the grass.

When accused saw him approaching he dropped the bottle and made. off. He walked over to the spot and found a bottle of beer in the grass. Later three of the young men came back along the road and still later accused and another young man returned.

Accused at first denied that the bottle was his but later admitted it was.

Schuler, cross-examining Constable Beasley, asked him how he could nrove it was him who had run away. Moonlight Night

Constable Beasley replied that it was a moonlight night. Schuler had been the shortest of the four young men and had worn light coloured clothes.

Schuler pointed out that light-col-oured clothes could be purchased in any shop to-day. There was a number at the dance in light-coloured clothes.

Schuler said that it was hardly likely that he would return if he had been- the guilty person. He knew Turua very well and could have gone round 1 ' another way. Constable Beasley stated that Schuler had. said that he had come from his aunt’s place. You also gave me a wrong address. You you lived with your aunt in Hauraki road, Turua.

Schuler: I do occasionally. Constable J. L.' Brown stated' that he had served defendant with the summons. Schuler had admitted that he had beer at the dance but ontended that Constable Beasley could not identify him because there were a lot at the dance in light clothes. Magistrate: Is that right Schuler: I don’t remember. Magistrate: You are just a young fool trying to be clever. A fine of £2.. 10s, court costs 10s, witness’ expenses 11s sd, was imposed.