SLY GROG-SELLING AT WHANGAPOUA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10901, 4 November 1898, Page 5

SLY GROG-SELLING AT WHANGAPOUA.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Coromandel, Thursday. At the Coromandel Magistrate's Court, Martin Heenan was charged that he did at Whangapoua, on October 23, 1898, unlawfully sell four glasses of beer to Walter Knight, for the sum of 3s, the raid Martin Heenan not being duly licensed to sell the samo. Another charge was laid against Heenan for supplying James Wells in the same way on the same date. Mr. Baume appeared for tho defendant, and Constable Law for the police. The Magistrate in giving judgment stated that lie was satisfied that the defendant was guilty. At this point Mr. Baumc pleaded strongly for leniency, on tho ground that the defendant was a paralysed cripple, and his wife had recently fallen from a horse and broken her right arm. He suggested whether the Magistrate c mid not apply tlio Probation Act for first .sliders in this case. Tho Magistrate said lie sympathised with the defendant's stale of health, but he must carry out the law as laid down. Ho would point out that representations could subsequently be made for a mitigation of the penalty, which he had no d >übt would be duly considered by the proper authorities. He would fine the defendant £20 for each offence, with costs, or in default one month's imprisonment for each offence, without hard labour, and lie would allow till December 8, 1898, to pay the fines and costs. A similiar charge was brought against Charles Joseph Roid, of Opitonui. The Magistrate gave defendant the benefit of the doubt, and dismissed the case.

Mrs. Reid, wife of Charles Joseph Reid, was charged with serving Ellen Christoflerson, at Opitonui, with a bottle of beer. Tho prisoner defended herself. The case was a lengthy one. The Magistrate said he was satisfied the charge had been proved, and fined the defendant £20 and costs, in default one month's imprisonment without hard labour. .Airs. Reid thereupon said she would do her month, as she had no money to pay the fine. Mr. Reid then gallantly asked the Magistrate if he could not do the month instead of his wife. However, Mrs. Reid was persistent in her statement that she would do the time. Tho Magistrate said lie would give her until December 8 to pay.