SLY GROG-SELLING AT CLINTON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15824, 24 July 1913, Page 11

SLY GROG-SELLING AT CLINTON.

DEFENDANT FINED £10. Alfred Townsend, a, oarnenter employed on tho railway, was charged, before Mr H. A. Young, S.M., at Clinton yesterday, with laving sold liquor to John Grant, of Clinton. Inspector Norwood stated that a concert was held in Clinton on the evening of June 13, and Grant met Townsend, from whom ho purchased a bottle of whisky, for which he paid 10s. The following morning he again met Townsend, from whom he bought another bottle of whisky, for which ho paid Bs. On being questioned by the police Grant 6aid he got the liquor from Townsend, as stated. Inspector Isorwood further stated that the police had _ had suspicions about Townsend for some time. Mr A. K. Stewart appeared for defendant. who pleaded "Guilty." Counsel stated that Townsend simply handed over the liquor to Grant at the price it! cost h>m, and only sold one bottle. He contended that there was no reason to suppose that defendant had carried oil an extensive trade in 6ly-Krog. During the 35 years he had been engaged in the railway service Townsend had borne a gpod character and had a good record ns an employee. Counsel said lie honc.stly believed that the offence with which defendant was charged was an isolated ■ one, and he asked t.ho court to take into consecration the fact that; defendant had nearly reached his retiring age, and the present proceedings might possibly affect his superannuation very seriously. Ir.epectcr Norwood remarked that the police did not press for a heavy penalty, ns, defendant- would probably be punished in another way.

The Magistrate said he did not think defendant had been dealing in sly-grog in a wholesale_ manner, but he had evidently been dabbling in it to some extent. A fine of £10. and costs (15s), was imposed, defer.da.nt- being allowed a month in which to pay.