SLY GROG-SELLING AT CLINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3098, 30 July 1913, Page 3

SLY GROG-SELLING AT CLINTON.

DEFENDANT FINED £lO. Alfred Townsend, a carpenter employed on tho railway, was charged, before .Sir H. A. Young, S.M., at Clinton on July 23, with having sold liquor to John Grant, of Clinton. Inspector Norwood stated that a concert was held in Clinton on tho evening of Juno 13, and Grant met Townsend, from whom lie purchased a bottle of whisky, for which he paid 10s. Tho 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 said he got the liquor from Townsend, as stated. Inspector Norwood further stated that the police had had suspicions about Townsend for sonic time. Mr A. R. .Stewart appeared for defendant, who pleaded “Guilty.” Counsel stated that Townsend simply handed over the liquor to Grant at tho price it cost h : m, and only sold ono bottle. He contended that there was no reason to suppose that defendant had carried on an extensive trade in sly-grog. During the 35 years ho had been engaged in the railway service Townsend had borne a good character and had a good record as an employee. Counsel said ho honestly believed that the offence with which defendant was charged was an isolated one, and ho asked the court to take into conshlcration tlie fact that defendant had nearly reached his retiring ago, and the present proceedings might possibly affect his superannuation very seriously. Inspector Norwood remarked that tho police did not press for a heavy penalty, as defendant would probably bo punished in another way. The Magistrate said he did not fhjnk defendant had been dealing in sly-grog- in a wholesale manner, but ho had evidently been dabbling in it to some extent. A fine of £lO, and costs (15s). was imposed, defendant being allowed a month in which to pay.