ALLEGED ILLICIT STILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22258, 10 May 1934, Page 10

ALLEGED ILLICIT STILL

THE SOUTHLAND PROSECUTION HORSE AGAlfr FIGURES IN EVIDENCE. (Peb United Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, May 9. ? The hearing,of evidence was concluded in the Supreme Court to-day in the cash against William Allan Alexander M'Crae, a farmer, of Dunsdale, and William Robertson M'Crae, his son, who are charged with making or being concerned in the unlawful manufacture of spirits. Mr Eustace Russell, in opening the case for the defence, submitted that there was nothing to connect the accused with the still. The prosecution had laid emphasis on the tracks from M'Crae’s farm to the still, but evidence would be called to show that there were as many tracks leading from the still to a neighbouring property. The evidence of crockery showed no connection between the M'Raes and the still, since it was of a make commonly found all over Southland. Geoffrey St. Vincent Keddell, a licensed surveyor, said that the lame mare at the farm was ridden by a Mr M'Eachvan ahead of witness, and, with the reins falling loose, she turned back towards the farm, and did not make in any definite direction. Near the old still another test with the mare was made. When given her head she wandered off from the way to the still and turned off to the edge of the bush. When released the mare, which was too lame to' be used much, made off in the direction of the homestead.

Counsel will address the court to-mor-row.