The Dream Drug

NZ Truth, Issue 1001, 31 January 1925, Page 2

The Dream Drug

CASE THAT ENDED IN SMOKE.

[Fro. i "Truth's" Palmerston N. Rep.)

It was the good fortune of Wong Low, a Celestial resident of Palmerston North, that Magistrate Stout last week found insufficient evidence, even with the vows of an alleged accomplice, to convict him of being found m possession of opium m a form suitable for smoking, and with permitting the smoking thereof. Sue Kwong, y.-ho is' at present cracking stones for a similar, offence as that alleged, 1 swore black and blue that Wong was the man behind the throne m the matter of establishing an opium den and gaming house m Palmerston North, but it availed not.

The place was raided last November, when Wong Low refused to pay the fine which would have saved Sue Kwong from The House of a Thousand tears, v hereupon, according to counsel for defendant, Sue swore to drag Wong away fi'om his homely rice to most unhomely skilly. The only trouble lay m the fact that neither the opiumraiders nor Sue could offer enough evidence to convince Mr. Stout that here stood a part proprietor of the den uf dreams and fan-fan. .

Detective Holmes, m evidence, gave details of the raid, when accused was found alone m a room m which opiumsmoking materials and a quantity of the drum were discovered, along: with opium-smeared scales and other paraphernalia. In another room a .complete outfit was, found by the police. At the time accused denied any knowledge of the thing i. .

After distending his cheeks to the usual lighted match, and annoying immensely Mr. Slipper, of Wanganui, who appeared for defendant, with, a windy and lengthy exchange of vocal hyperboles with ah interpreter, Sue stated that he was approached by defendant m Wanganui and asked to come down to Palmerston North for the purpose of going into partnership with defendant, the business .being made clear. Witness was instructed to conduct the sale of the goods, although defendant gave instructions for certain alterations to the shop to be carried out.: Defendantgave witness 30/- a week to look after the "place, while witness was to pay the fine m case of a raid. That was the arrangement.

"The information is .dismissed," said Mr. Stout. . . 1

"Tank you velly much," said 'Wong Low.