THE SLY GROG RAID.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13626, 20 December 1907, Page 6

THE SLY GROG RAID.

CONFLICTING EVIDENCE.

NEW USE FOR A FIRE-ESCAPE.

The hearing of the charges of illegally trafficking in intoxicating liquor, preferred against Alfred Crossey and his wife, was continued at the Police Court yesterday morning, befoiy Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M. Mr*. Crossey was cross-examined by Sub-Inspector Gordon at some length. She admitted that there were a demijohn and a bottle containing whisky in her room on the Sunday in question, and that there were four glasses found there also. She hud had seven dozen bottles of beer from .'i firm in town, but some of this was to " treat" the boarders at the formal opening of the house. She was not averse to a glass of beer herself, and neither was "the boss." No liquor had been sold on the place at all. Asked for an explanation as to how the constables (whom, she at first denied having met) knew the inside of her room so well, she attributed it to tho facilities afforded by the fire-escape. She believed the two men now in Court in uniform had had a papering contract at the house. As far as she could remember her husband did have some drink with two other men or the Sunday. The Magistrate: If your husband swears that no one besides himself had a drink, what will yom say if Witness: I was in and. out, Your Worship. Did you give anyone a corkscrew? Have you r. corkscrew in the house?— > No.

Did they pull the corks with their teeth? —I don't know, Your Worship. (Laughter.)

Counsel called John Latimer and James Markey (who had been working on the premises), the waitress and the coloured Cook, the evidence being of a somewhat conflicting character.

The Magistrate then recalled Constables Shalde.rs and Bradley (who had stopped at the place in plain clothes), and they adhered to their tinst story, notwithstanding the fact that both the waitress and the cook positively denied that they had ever been served with meals in the place. The officers were heard separately, their evidence being the same on the main points. Mr. Kettle said he would defer his decision until after the hearing of the other charges, but Mr. Lmndon intimated to the Court, that ho would bo unable to remain for these, as. he was feeling unwell. The defendants were given half an hour to find another pleader, and at tho end of the time specified, returned somewhat disconsolate with the announcement that their soared had not been successful. Further adjournment was asked .until after the holidays, which the sub-inspector opposed. Eventually it was agreed to allow the cases to stand over until this morning.