CHINESE FINED £25

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 2 May 1934, Page 5

CHINESE FINED £25

LIQUOR SUPPLIED TO MAORIS WARNING IGNORED (By Telegraph—Press Association) GISBORNE, 30th April. “The accused has had. a warning from the police, and there is no doubt that he is a menace" to the Maori community,” said Mr E. L. Walton, S M., to-day in inflicting fines totalling £25, and costs, on a Chinese named Willio Hong for supplying liquor to Maoris. Three charges were preferred against the accused ot supplying wine to Native women, and two of supplying wine to Native males in the Takitimi district, where liquor is not allowed to be supplied to Natives. The accused pleaded guilty. Senior-Sergeant Wade said that the arrest of two Maoris in a state of drunkenness led to further Inquiries, and it was found that wine had been purchased by the accused, who supplied it to the Natives. The police had been looking for Hong for a long time, as it was recognised that lie had been supplying liquor to Natives. A party would be held at Hong’s house and iiquor consumed. “It is suggested,” said Mr Wade, “that Ilong’s intention in getting the women drunk was to have illicit relations with them.” Counsel for the accused said that the male Maoris went with Hong to purchase the wine. Hong believed lie could provide the Maoris with hospitality. The Senior-Sergeant said that Hong had been previously warned against supplying liquor to Maoris. The Magistrate inflicted a fine of £5 and costs on each charge. An application. for suppression of the accused s name was refused.