“COME AND SEE”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11565, 7 July 1923, Page 8

“COME AND SEE”

LICENSEE’S INVITATION POLICE SERGEANT FINDS BAB OCCUPIED. “ENTERTAINING A GUEST.” “It’s only Mrs Fawcett and I bavw ing a drink in the bar,” were the words which greeted Sergeant O’Neill when this latter entered the passage of the Post Office Hotel at about 9.30 p.m. some few days ago. However, on entering the par, which was in darkness, and flashing his torch around three ]crsons were discovered in the darker portions of the room. Mr* Fawcett was there, but with her wa* a Mr Hilton and a man named John McNaughton. The two former explained that they were boarders, but McNaughton. who failed to make any satisfactory explanation, made an appearance before Mr E. Page. S.M at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, charged with being on licensed premises after hours. The licensee, Mrs Herd man, was not in the bar at tliw time, said the ser. geant. giving evidence. Hilton stated that McNaughton was a friend of his, and also his guest. Mrs Herdman, coming in after a few moments, also claimed McNaughton as her guest. Following upon further inquiries, the sergeant repaired to the home of MeNaughton, where he interviewed hi» wife. Constable Turnbull also give similar evidence as that given by the former witness. FOR THE DEFENCE. “There is nothing to stop a guest or a licensee entertaining a man on hotel premises,” submitted Mr H. F. O’Leary, appearing for the aocused. McNaughton was frequently there ns a guesc, and in the capacitv of a hairdresser was in frequent attendance at the hotel. “This is a case of same me from my friends,” continued counsel. “Hilton was in an excited state of mind, and when he claimed the defendant as bis friend McNaughton said Yes,’ or something like that.” “I went out of the bar to get my coat,” said the licensee, Mrs Herdman. “Wo were all going out, and I wanted my coat. The sergeant will tell you T had some fruit in my hands, hut I had no need to see if the coast waa clear. When the sergeant- asked me who was in the bar, I said, ‘Come and “There are several suspicious points in this case,” remarked the bench. “First the defendant said he was the guest of two people, and secondly he was in the bar, which was _ partly lighted. I think 1 must convict him. He will he fined £2 and costs.