BENCH OF MAGISTRATES.

New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Issue 63, 26 June 1841, Page 3

BENCH OF MAGISTRATES.

Monday, June 21, 1841. — George Young, landlord of the Britannia-hotel, was charged with having allowed tippling in his house, on Sunday, the 6th inst., and with selling spirits to one Daniel Brown.

Mr. Brandon appeared for this and the two following cases. Brown, who is apolice constable, being sworn, stated that about a quarter past two o'clock on the day in question, he went into the Britannia public-house, where he saw two sailors drinking. He^called for a bottom of brandy, which was brought by a female, and for which he paid fourpence. Cross-examined. — I am a policeman, and was dressed in plain clothes. Was not dressed as a traveller, nor did he say he was a traveller. Did not take a vessel for the liquor, but drank the spirits there. Was not aware he was to have any portion of the penalty. Guilty— fined £2, and 7*. 2d. costs. Henry Midgley, Queen's Head, pleaded not guilty to a similar offence on the same day. Brown, the informer, stated that on Sunday, i about half past one, he was sent on duty, and passed the Queen's Head, where he saw parties drinking in two rooms, and another person at the bar. He tasted the spirits, and told the landlord he ought not to be selling spirits at that time of the day ; the landlord knew he was a policeman. Cross-examined. — Did not call for any liquor. Saw some served to a man at the bar ; it appeared to be gin, but could not swear it was spirits. The man drank part of it while I was there. I then went into another room ; three men were drinking gin there ; I tasted it. Defendant was behind the bar, and served the liquor. Did not state that I was a traveller to any one that day. William Nichol deposed that he was a friend of Midgley's, and called on him on Sunday fortnight ; had not seen him since his marriage, witness had been working at Porirua. Defendant gave him a glass of gin. There was i«o noise in the house. Two men were drinking a pot of beer in the room. Could see the bar ; there was no one there at any time. Brown only walked in, drank my gin, and walked out again. Cross-examined. — Was in the house about two minutes before Brown came in. The two men were left behind when I went away. Remained in the house about a quarter of an hour. The two men were drinking beer, did not know them. They were taking no other refreshment. Case dismissed. William Bannister, Lambton Tavern, was charged by Brown with a like offence. Fined JO2, and 7s. 2d. costs.