OPIUM SMOKING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23011, 12 April 1938, Page 9

OPIUM SMOKING

CHINESE FINED £25 POSSESSION OF DRUG Three charges of being found in possession of prepared opium, a pipe and utensils for smoking, and of smoking the drug, were preferred in the Ouehunga Magistrate's Court yesterday against a Chinese named Ah Ching (Mr. J. F. W. Diokaon), of Wallace JUoad, Mangere. Accused pleaded guilty to each charge. Constable S. Z. Olver stated that on April 7 he discovered accused lying on boxes and covered with sacks, smoking in a shod. The pipe was hot, Kiid accused was under the influence of the drug and in an excited state. In addition io the smoking utensils, a large quantity of opium seconds was found. Accused, had been in custody since his arrest.' Mr. Dickson explained that Ah Ching had been suffering from severe pains in tho stomach, and had tried to obtain relief by smoking. Counsel also alleged that while being arrested his client had been struck on the mouth and one of his teeth had been knocked out. Tho magistrate, Mr. C. 11. Orr Walker, suggested that, as the minimum total fines for the three charges was £75, two of them might be withdrawn. Tho police agreed, and accused was fined £2.j and costs for being found in possession of the drug.