LICENSING ACT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 254, 23 September 1933, Page 2

LICENSING ACT

CASE IN AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Sept. 22. “This seems to be just a new device for (.evading the provisions of the Licensing Act,” said Mr AV. R. McKeen, S.M., in the Police Court, when four men, who were charged with being unlawfully on licensed premises after hours, and whose homes were • in the district, brought evidence to show that they had “booked in” as lodgers and slept at the hotel after the police raid. In connection with the same incident, Charles Edward Adams, .former licensee of the Empire Hotel, was charged with keeping open premises for the sale of liquor after hours, exposing liquor for sale after hours, and selling liquor after hours. Adams was represented by Mr Henry, and the other four defendants by Mr Aekins. Pleas of not guilty to all charges were entered. “I am completely dissatisfied with this evidence,” said the Magistrate after hearing evidence, in fining each defendant £2 with costs. “I have no power to inflict a higher penalty, but if people come here and tell untruths they can expect the maximum penalty in every case. They' deserve no consideration.” Mr Henry, for Adams, said that the facts in the case were admitted, but he claimed that Adams honestly believed the other men had come as bona fide lodgers. i “I cannot believe Adams really thought the other defendants were going to spend the night as bona fido guests,” said the Magistrate, in imposing a fine of £5 with costs on the first charge. The other charges were withdrawn.