LIQUOR SOLD TO NATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16675, 24 February 1920, Page 6

LIQUOR SOLD TO NATIVES.

A WANGANUI CASE. Per Press Association. WANGANUI, Feb. 23. William J. Williams, a licensee at Aramoho, pleaded guilty to a charge of selling to a Native for consumption off the premises 24 bottles of whisky. It was stated by Inspector Hendry that there was, a_ wedding at llanana, an up-river Native settlement, and throe Natives were sent to town to purchase liquor, which was bought from the defendant. He first refused to sell, but did so when informed that the liquor was for a wedding. He was not aware that it was destined for an up-river settlement. The liquor was taken away in two portmanteaux, and subsequently discovered by the police. A conviction was entered. A deplorable condition of affairs was revealed by Inspector Hendry during the case. He said tho police were informed that, when liquor entered,, a Native up-river settlement scenes 'of deplorable drunkenness took place, men, women, and even children drinking liquor. Convent sisters and priests working among tho Natives found their work very much retarded by the debauchery which followed the liquor. In the Natives’ own interests liquor should be prevented from going to the settlements. Tho better class Natives deplored this excessive drinking, which was having a far-reaching effect on the morals of tho Natives.