THE COURTS

Mt Benger Mail, 27 October 1937, Page 3

THE COURTS

• o ROXBURGH. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19,1937. (Before H. J. Dixon, Esq., S.M.) Tribute to the late Mr Stewart Fletcher. Mr Arthur said that before commencing the business of the Court he thought it only right and proper to make reference to the passing of Mr Stewart Fletcher who had been an officer of the court for so many years. He had been associated with Mr Fletcher for only a short period, but during that time he had found him careful and painstaking and extremely fair in his business dealings—he had worthily upheld the tradition of his profession. His Worship said Mr Fletcher had always impressed him with his desire to be fair and hisl avoidance of small trivialities and he associated himself in expressing regret at his sudden death. On Licensed Premises. Nine district residents were charged with being on licensed premises after hours. Constable McMahon stated that at 1.45 a.m. on August 26, he had visited the Goldfields Hotel and had found persons in the bar parlour. Drinks were on the slide and none of those present were resident in the hotel. Defendants were each fined 20s and costs 12s fid. R. P. Steele was charged with, being the licensee of the Goldfields’ Hotel, he did sell liquor after hours, and G . Boyce was charged with being a person other than the licensee he did' sell liquor after hours. Mr Arthur who appeared for the defendants pleaded guilty. Constable McMahon stated that at 1.45 a.m. on Augst 26, he had visited the defendant’s hotel. He passed the licensee in the passage and walked into the bar parlour. Drinks were on the slide and Boyce was barman behind the slide. Later he had asked the licensee for an explanation and' he said he had none at all. Mr Arthur said that Constable McMahon had set out the facts fairly. Defendant’s explanation of why the hotel had been open was to supply beef tea to the dance which was being held next door. This should have been called for early in thle evening but had not been taken away until 2 a.m. Actually the licensee was not there. Everything had been orderly and there had been no noise. The magistrate stated that in serving drinks after hours the onus was on the licensee. The licensee would be fined £lO, costs of Court, 10s, and the barman £3, costs of Court, 10s. Without Fitness Warrant. John D. Lister was charged by Inspector Cowie with, on 19th July he did operate a motor vehicle without a warrant of fitness.—After hearing the evidence of Inspector Cowie the Magistrate stated that defendant would surely know that no insurance could be obtained without a certificate. It was not a serious charge.—Defendant was fined 10s with costs 12s. J. L. Marsh was charged by Inspector Hunter with operating a vehicle without a certificate of fitness.—Defendant was fined 20s and costs of Court 12s.