POLICE VISIT HOTEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 16

POLICE VISIT HOTEL

EARLY MORNING DRINKING SOME AMUSING EXCUSES A visit by a police sergeant to the bar of the Hobson Hotel at 6.45 a.m. on December 22 led. to the appearance in tho Police Court yesterday of tho licensee, William Williams, the barman, Benjamin Cossey, and nine men who were found on the promises. Williams was charged with selling: liquor during hours when the premises should have been closed, and Cossey with supplying liquor to persons not entitled to be sunplied. Picas of guilty were entered. Sergeant Jones said that when ho entered tho bar there wore 17 men in it. "Tho barman had his coat off. and his sleeves up, and ho was working very hard," witness added. Appearing for tho licensee, Mr. W. Bennett said that at the time the sergeant visited the hotel, tho licensee was still, in bed. The hotel was full, and it was difficult for'the barman to differentiate 'between boarders and men off tho street. Williams was fined £lO and costs, and Cossey £5 and costs. "Williams has had previous convictions and he had better be careful in the future, or he will find his licenca endorsed," said Mc W. 11. McKean, S.M. Several ingenious reasons for their presence in the bar were offered by some of the men charged with being found'on premises. '"I had had a few the day beforo, and just went in for a 'reviver,' " one elderly man said. "It was a holiday and my birthday also, and I think I deserved a little latitude," a second accused said. Detective-Servant MeHugh said ho must have been preparing for Christmas. Mr. McKean: Well, you started just a little too early in the morning. Fines of £1 with 10s costs were imposed on each accused, the magistrate remarking that they had been very frank in the matter.