OPIUM CHARGES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 195, 19 July 1937, Page 6

OPIUM CHARGES.

RAID BY POLICE. CHINESE IN COURT. Four Chinamen stood in the dock together before Air J. L. Stout, S.Ai., in the Aiagistrate’s Court to-day on charges connected with the smoking of opium. Ah John, alias Fong Sang, a gardener. aged 25, of Eoxton Line, and Sue Poy, a gardener, of AVellington, were each charged with smoking opium, and with being found in possession of prepared opium at Palmerston North on July 18. Ah Hong and Joe Jack were each charged with being found, on the same date, on premises at 317 Alain Street, used for the purpose of smoking opium. Ah Hong was further charged with being found in possession of prepared opium. “These men have so many aliases that 1 am not sure which are my clients,” stated Air G. Crossley in entering pleas of not guiltv on behalf of Ah John (Eong Sang) and Sue Poy. Detective-Sergeant Aleiklejohn gave evidence that at 8.40 o’clock last night, accompanied by acting-Detective Compton, he entered a laundry at 317 Alain Street, where there was a small room fitted up exclusively for the purpose of smoking opium. The door was shut, but when he opened it, witness found two opium lamps burning, and Fong Sang and Sue Poy 6inoking, with pipes in their hands. They were in a reclining position, with head-rests, on two opium beds, of which there were three in the room. Joe Jack was reclining opposite Sue Poy. while Peter Kwong Yick was sitting down on a bed near Sue Poy. Ah Hong was lying down on another bed in the room, which was reeking of opium, and when he moved uneasily a tin of opium “seconds” fell douii behind his back. He was obviously affected by something. Adjoining was a room with seven beds, some of which had obviously not been used for some time. The other Chinamen said that Ah Hong was sick. He denied that lie had been smoking opium, and said that he had been staying there for. two years, but ’it could not- be ascertained definitely which bed he occupied. Joe Jack said he himself liad gone there to see another Chinaman. There was a tin of opium “seconds” just underneath where Sue Poy was sitting. The real occupier of the premises was at present serving a gaol term in consequence of the last raid made by the police on the place. “I never smoked at all,” called Fong Sang from the dock loudly when Mr Aleiklejohn said that this man had been found with an opium pipe in bis band.

Corroborative evidence was given by acting-Detective Compton, and Mr Crossley intimated that he did not propose io call evidence for the defence.

Ah Hong' and Joe Jack were each fined the minimum of £l2 10s, in default one month’s imprisonment, on the charge of being found on the premises, the charge against Ah Hong of being found in possession of prepared ojiium being dismissed. Charges of being found in possession against Fong Sang and Sue Poy were withdrawn, but they were each fined £25, in default two months’ imprisonment, foi smoking opium, Mr Meiklejolin stating that Fong Sang, who had been abusive, had not been before the Court before on opium charges, but had appeared a good many times on other charges.

Peter Kwong Tick, whoso case was heard separately, pleaded not guilty. Mr Meiklejohn said that defendant might have a legitimate excuse, but could make his explanation to the Court. Defendant said that he had never smoked opium in his life; he was a market gardener and bad gone there to see other Chinese on business. Mr Meiklejohn said that when the police entered defendant was fully dressed and quite normal. Commenting that he would give defendant the benefit of the doubt, the Magistrate dismisesd this case.