A MYTHICAL ROOM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 288, 9 November 1925, Page 6

A MYTHICAL ROOM.

BOARDERS AT HOTEL,

LICENSEE AND BARAIAN FINER £lO. AUCKLAND, Nov. 6. John P. Alolloy, licensee of the Alarket Hotel, and hjs brother, Charles Joseph Alolloy, barman, were both before the Police Court this morning. The former was charged with selling liquor on Sunday, while the barman was charged with supplying liquor to a person not entitled to be supplied. Senior-Sergeatat Edwards proscuted, while Mr R. AlcVeagh appeared in support of both defendants to plead guilty. Arthur Ewbank, William Ewbank and John Downing were each charged with falsely alleging that they were boarders at the Market Hotel. Senior-Sergeant Edwards said that the three men had been found in the Alarket Hotel by Sergeant Lambert on a recent Sunday, when all stated that they were boarders. They subsequently admitted that they did not reside at the hotel, and that their names had been entered on the hotel book from August 3 to October 18. Evidence to this effect was given by S’eargeaut Lambert, who said that a complaint was received by the police from one of the defendant’s wives. When witness asked the barman to show liim No. 4, where each of the three defendants were supposed to be staying, Alolloy was unable to do so, as there was no room No. 4 in the hotel. Each defendant was then fined £3 and costs.

When the charges against the two Alollovs wife being proceeded with, Air Hunt asked the licensee for his license. This was immediately handed to Mr Hunt.

Senior-Sergeant Edwards said that room No. 4 was only a mythical room, as no such room bearing that number existed in the hotel. Sergeant Lambert said that wheu he visited the hotel he saw the barman, the brother, who made a statement. The licensee was not in at that time, but when he returned to the hotel witness showed him the statement which liis brother had made. After reading it the licensee said: “All right, sergeant, you have got to do your duty; go on.” Witness took this as an admission of the offence. Mr AlcVeagh said that the licensee was away at the time. The hotel book was produced, and no opposition was given to the police. Defendant bad been connected with the licensing trade for the past 19 years, the last five being as licensee of tlie Alarket Hotel. He had never been in trouble, except in 1920, when he was held liable for an offence committed by his barman. Air Hunt: Was that barman his brother, who is now charged. Mr AlcVeagh : I believe lie was, sir. Continuing, Mr AlcVeagh said that defendant had always conducted his house properly. However, ho must, as licensee, aifswer for the acts and misdeeds of his servants. Counsel said lie would leave the matter in Air Hunt's hands. Air Hunt: The barman will be fined £lO and costs. He's been up before. Now, here’s a fictitious book put up, showing that three men are boarders living in a room which does not exist. The licensee has been in trouble befer - over the same barman. He will be fined £lO this time; and his license will be endorsed.