SELLING LIQUOR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23203, 29 May 1937, Page 9

SELLING LIQUOR

ELDERLY WOMAN CHARGED FINE OF £25 IMPOSED A fine of £25 and costs was imposed on Margaret Sproule Holley, aged 60, of Cumberland street, by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday.on a charge of selling liquor without a licence. After a brief discussion between Senior Sergeant Packer and counsel, Mr C. J. L. White, on the quality of the liquor confiscated, the magistrate gave an order for it to be destroyed. Mr White reminded the court of six features of the case—that the offence was one isolated act, that accused's residence was in a very open and public,place, that there was no evidence it was frequented, that the accused was candid to the police, that this was the first time she had been prosecuted in a licensed area, and that she was an elderly woman. The senior sergeant said that the police had confiscated 146 quart bottles and seven half-bottles of beer. Mr White: I suppose that is gone by now? . The senior sergeant: It is still at the Police Station. In.reply to the magistrate, Mr White said that the accused had her sixtieth birthday on the day of the offence. She had 11 children. The magistrate fixed the fine at £25, and discussed an order to destroy the liqUor. Mr White: It seems a pity to destroy it. The senior sergeant: It is home brew. We can't give it to any charitable institutions. Mr White: There has been expert opinion that it is good beer. The accused: A lot of it was old Chnstmas beer, and not good. The order for the destruction of the liquor was made.