SEQUEL TO RAID

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21507, 21 November 1939, Page 8

SEQUEL TO RAID

Club Manager Fined Illegal Sale of Liquor By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND. November 20. A police raid on premises known as the Carlton Bridge Club, Symonds Street, on the night of October 6 was recalled in the Magistrate’s Court, when the manager, James Morton McGill, appeared before Mr J. Morlings, S.M.. and pleaded not guilty tn two charges of selling liquor without a licence. Sub-Inspector Pender said that numerous complaints were made to the police regarding the conduct of persons who frequented the club. On two evenings before the search warrant was executed a plain clothes constable, accompanied on each occasion by a friend, was admitted and bought beer at 9d a glass, being served by a steward behind the bar. There were 10 lockers and other persons present had liquor. Sergeant Southworth said he executed a search warrant on the premises on October 6. when there were eight persons present, in addition to defendant. Witness seized a quantity of liquor, including 36 quart bottles of beer and nine bottles of spirits, in addition to many empty bottles and 53 beer glasses. Counsel submitted that the only Question was whether the barman sold liquor to the constable. Sales were forbidden and th? barman was dismissed. Defendant gave evidence that there were between 30 and 40 members in the chib. The annual membership fee was 10 6 with an additional charge of £1 1/- for a locker. Members gave him money to order liquor to stock their leckers. Liquor was never sold, but members often served it to their friends. Witness denied seeing the constable pay for liquor.

The Magistral said he was satisfied with the police story and imposed a fine of £3O and costs. He also ordered the forfeiture of the liquor and allowed the defendant a month to Day.

Four persons charged with being found on the premises were each fined £1 and costs.