COURT IN HOSPITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22032, 12 February 1935, Page 12

COURT IN HOSPITAL

ILLNESS OF DEFENDANT ILLEGAL SALE OF LIQUOR [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON. Monday Tiie X-ray examination room of the Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, was constituted a Court this afternoon, when evidence for the defence was heard in the case in which Francis Herbert Goodwin, storekeeper, of Matangi, a patient in the institution, was charged on two counts with selling liquor without a licence. When the case was before the Court a fortnight ago, evidence was given by Constable H. Worts that while disguised as a farm labourer he was sold liquor by defendant. Two other constables stated that when they executed a search -warrant at defendant's store they found 79 bottles of ale and stout, and two cases of wine. In addition, 69 empty bottles were found.

At to-day's sitting of the Court, defendant, who was in bed. said he had no recollection of Constable Worts entering his store and procuring liquor. He denied selling any liquor and said that the beer, stout and wine found on the premises was purchased for his own use and for the use of his friends. Some of the liquor was consumed by himself for medicinal purposes. He did not consider the purchase of 34 dozen bottles within three months was excessive.

The magistrate, Mr. S. L. Paterson, said the evidence of Constable Worts had been corroborated by the large quantity of liquor found. Defendant must be convicted, but in view of the condition of his health the fines would be light. Defendant was fined £5 on each of the two counts.