illicit Still In Auckland Garage

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1948, Page 5

illicit Still In Auckland Garage

AUCKLAND, Mon. (P.A.) On charges arising from the discovery of illicit manufacturing of liquor in a garage at v Epsom, fines totalling £375 were imposed on two men in the Police Court today by the magistrate (Mr H. Jenner Wily). Owen Robert Thomas. 40, builder, was charged with having in his possession two stills, also 14 part and full gallon jars and 48 bottles of spirits on which duty had not been paid. Jack Rayner, 48, carpenter, was charged with knowingly conveying spirits on which duty had not been paid. Both were charged with keeping liquor for sale without a licence. Each was represented by counsel and both pleaded guilty to all charges. SOLD AS POPULAR BRAND The police said that when Rayner’s motor car was stopped on the forenoon of August 6 in Epsom, 84 bottles of distilled liquor, some with the labels of a well-known brand of gin, were found. Rayner admitted that he was acting as sales agent for Thomas. After locking up Rayner the police visited the house at Epsom where Thomas, who was single, lived with his mother. The police found two stills in a garage and 22A gallons of spirits. FOR SIX MONTHS Thomas admitted that he had been making and selling liquor for six months. After hearing pleas by counsel, the magistrate said Rayner had served a term of imprisonment in 1944 for keeping liquor for sale but, in view of his health, he would not be imprisoned this time but fined £75 on the first charge and £25 on the second.

Thomas, who was a first offender, was fined £125 on each of two charges under the Distillation Act and £25 for keeping liquor for sale. All plant and liquor are to be confiscated.