SLY GROG IN NORTHCOTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15235, 24 February 1913, Page 5

SLY GROG IN NORTHCOTE.

A HAIRDRESSER CONVICTED. A Nobtitcote hairdresser named Harry Hunt appeared before Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., at the Police Court on Saturday charged with selling beer on a Sunday without being the possessor of a license permitting him to do so. The defendant, through Mr. Singer, entered a plea of guilty. The case was outlined by Senior-Ser-geant Mathieson, who stated that in consequence of complaints, two constables went across to Northcote on the Sunday in question. Proceeding to the rear of the defendant's premises, they asked for drink, and were readily supplied with beer. The constables again wont across to Northcote on the following Sunday, but this time the defendant for some reason, would not supply them with the liquor. A search warrant was executed, resulting in the discovery on the premises of a dozen and a half empty bottles, and four empty cases. No liquor, however, was found. Tho brewery records, which showed that between December 6 and February 15, the defendant had received and disposed of 34 dozen pint bottles of beer, were proof, however, said the seniorsergeant, that Hunt had been carrying on a fairly extensive business in that direction. Seven dozen pint bottles had been received by Hunt on the Friday prior to tho search of the premises by the constables. It was suggested by the sergeant that the reason of the constables' search being fruitless was that the defendant had become cognisant of their identity. It was stated by Mr. Singer that the defendant had been selling beer for not quite two months. He had given up the business of his own accord, and stated that he had not been aware that the two men he had served were constables.

His Worship convicted accused, a fine of £20, with 17s costs, being imposed.