SALE OF WHISKY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 29 October 1928, Page 4

SALE OF WHISKY

WRONG LABEL ON BOTTLE MURCHISON HOTELKEEPER FINED

On his last visit to Murchison, Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M., heard a charge against Thomas Ross, owner and licensee of Ross’s Hotel, of selling draught whisky in a bottle bearing an undestroyed ‘•Buchanan’s Black and White” label.

The Crown Solicitor (Mr E. J. Kemnitz) appeared for the Health Department and Mr S. H. Moynagh for the defendant, who pleaded guilty. He also pleaded guilty to a second charge of adulterating the whisky. Regarding the second charge the defendant explained that the whisky was purchased in two-gallon lots. Sometimes it was marked when it was broken down but in this case there were no markings and the licensee’s wife added further water.

The analyst's report showed the ad : dition of 11.3 per cent, .of water oyer and above the standards

Mr Moynagh suggested that in view of the plea ot guilty to the first charge the prosecution might see its way to withdraw the second charge, as they both arose out of the ope sale. This course was agreed to by Mr Kemnitz. The Magistrate imposed the minimum penalty of £2O with Court' - costs and 1 analyst’s fee £1 0s 6d and solicitor’s fee £3 3s.

Mr Moynagh intimated that he would apply to the Minister for portion of the penalty to be remitted, but the Magistrate did not express any view as to the attitude he would adopt if such application were made.