MEDICINAL WINE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14579, 19 July 1909, Page 5

MEDICINAL WINE.

-o A CHEMIST SELLS'"LIQUOR." (Frou Our Own "oRBEsroitDENT.) AUCKLAND, July IS. An interesting case is understood to lie on tlio tapis in Auckland. A local chemist, it is stated, lately sold a bottle of a wellknown quinine wine preparation to a person who askid for this particular, tonic, and the sequel is likely to be a prosecution lor selling liquor without a license. The wine in question is said to contain a consderable percentage of alcohol, and as many other preparations which enjoy a wide popularity are said to also include more or less alcohol, the case, which will be regarded a>s litest one, will be one of great interest, especially from the chemists' point of view. An important point on which tho case- may largely, depend is whether the wine purchased' was or was not required for medicinal purposes. It will probably be contended by the prosecution that it was not needed as a medicine, but this view no doubt- will be combated by the defendant, who has retained counsel to contest the case. A CASE DISMISSED. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, J„l y 17. At To Kuiti on Thursday A. A, Lissaman, chemist, was charged with selling liquor containing 31.03 per cent, of proof spirit, known as Molciiva port wine. A constable purchased a bottle for Is. The contents were analysed by the public analyst, and upon this roporL the cliargo was raised that the wine was alleged to be 10 idmes stronger than ordinary ale, and half the maximum strength of brandy. Defendant had gold 12 cases in a very short time. The magistrate found the defendant guilty of a breach of section 273 of the act, but in view of. the circumstances of the case and defendant's bona fides, and an anomaly in the law in respect to the sale of medicinal wine in Maori districts, lie dismissed the charge on defendant paying £Bj2s 6(1 costs. It was suggested that the anomaly in section 273 as affecting Maori districts bo brought under the notice of the Attorney-general.