ILLICIT STILLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 34

ILLICIT STILLS.

Wellington, June 14-.

A police party (including Mr M'Kellar, collector of customs) yesterday found an illicit still in Gollan Valley, about two miles beyond Day Bay, on the other side of the harbour. The spot is admirably adapted for the purpose, as it is located near a creek and perfectly secure from observation. The distillation of spirits has been carried on bhere on a large scale, the plant being of the most complete description. A large quantity of whisky was found on the premises. Near the creek was a hut which had been occupied, and there was also a neatly constructed dam. The distillery would ba capable of turning out 50gal of whisky a day, and dray marks in the vicinity showed that a quantity bad been carted away only a few houra pre-

viously. A cart was procured, and most of the plant brought into town, which was reaohed late last night. No arrests have been made in connection with the matter.

Reeftos, June 19. About half-past 3 o'clock this morning Mr M'Dowell, collector of customs at the Grey, Inspector M 'Govern, and Constables Bennett and Phillpots, returned after a midnight raid on an illicit still. They found a most complete plant seven miles down the Inangahua river, near Bell's farm, and destroyed 600 gallons of spirits. There was no stock of material on the premises, which comprised a calico erection in a gully well screened by bush. No arrests have yet been made. The appliances have been removed to Greymouth. The liquor was in process of fermenting, and was turned into the creek. The collector says ib was one of the mosb complete stills ever found in the colony. There was a large frame building covered with calico, and the Bite appeared made by nature, being completely hidden in a bush gully.