“COLOUR OF THE SMELL”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8091, 20 April 1912, Page 11

“COLOUR OF THE SMELL”

OPIUM IN HAINING STREET CHINAMAN CONVICTED. The consequences of the raid made by Senior-Sergeant Rutledge and Constable Doyle on 49, Haining street, on April 10th, was the appearance of Joe Tong at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr W.' G. Riddell, S.M.‘ charged with being found in possession of opium in a form suitable for smoking. Defendant, who was. fined last year on a similar information, was again convicted. . Mr 0. S. Nixon, Collector of Customs, prosecuted, and Mr P. W. Jack, son appeared for defendant. Senior-Sergeant Rutledge said when he entered the premises with Constable Doyle there was noticed a strong smell of Opium. On searching the place opium-smoking paraphernalia were found. Accused admitted that he sraokedi opium owing to had health. Witness stated that “opium seconds,” were found which could be made suit; able for smoking. Constable Doyle was questioned by Mr Jackson as to what wag ah opium smell. “ There is always an opium smell about Chinamen’s places?” suggested counsel, “Well, I have been in places where opium has been smoked, and I know the smell of it,” answered the constable, who remarked that there are so many smells about a Chinaman s Pl *Mp Jackson: I have heard it described as a “ dead-faint smell which has a yellow colour.” (Laughter.) , Constable Doyle: I have never seen the colour of the smell. (Laughter.) _ ■Mr Jackson submitted that the information must be dismissed beqause there was no evidence to show that defendant was in possession of opium in a form suitable for smoking. What the police found was really opium ash. . Defendant; through an interpreter, acknowledged having been convicted last September for being in possession of opium. There was not enough opium in a small pot (produced) to make a smoke. This receptacle had been laid aside for several years. ’ His Worship was satisfied that there was opium in defendant’s possession—though only a small quantity—and a conviction must be entered. A fine of 40s, with costs 17s 6d, was imposed. ■