"SLY GROG" PREMISES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21254, 6 August 1932, Page 12

"SLY GROG" PREMISES

MAN'S PRESENCE EXPLAINED DISMISSAL OF CHARGE An allegation that, he had been found without lawful excuse 011 unlicensed premises for the purpose of illegally dealing in liquor was made against Alfred Kail Skelton, solicitor, in the Police Court yesterday. He pleaded not Kuiltv. Sergeant Turner 3.'iid that between 8.30 and 9 p.m. on June 18, he executed a search warrant on the premises of William Hesketh, fruiterer, of 473 Dominion Road, and seized a large quantity of liquor and empty bottles. Defendant was seated in a back room in front of a firo and on the mantelpiece beside him was a glass of whisky and water. He told witness that he had been to a funeral that afternoon and had dropped in for a "warming and a nip." Witness knew the place was a "sly grog" shop and that defendant was a frequent visitor. In evidence, defendant said he had been friends with Mr. Hesketh for a number of years and had lad business dealings with him. They had also been associated together in political matters. Oy the afternoon of June 18 witness attended a funeral, and that evening he was informed that Mr. Ilesketh's housekeeper desired some iegal work done. itness went to see the woman and was given a glass of whisky by Mr. Hesketh. Tho drink was not purchased and was offered as a friendly gesture. "The sergeant did not ask me for any explanation as to why I was there," continued witness. "His evidence is not quite correct. He has got mixed up." Evidence that defendant had visited tlie shop 011 professional business on the night in question was given by a woman, who left the shop before the arrival of tho police. "There is no evidence of any money having been passed in connection with the glass of liquor given to Mr. Skelton," said the magistrate, Mr. W. It. McKean, in dismissing the charge. "It is unfortunate," lie added, "that Mr. Skelton did not make the explanation to Sergeant Turner that he has made in Court to-day. If he had he might havo saved himself the unpleasantness of these proceedings."