METHVEN LICENSEE IN COURT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17220, 11 December 1923, Page 8

METHVEN LICENSEE IN COURT.

MAGISTRATE’S STRONG REMARKS. Pan Press Association. AblillUitiON, December 11. “I do not believe one word the witnesses for the deience have said. Perjury lias been committed, as it often is on licensing cases,” remarked the Magistrate, Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., when convicting James M J Taggart, Into licensee of itio Canterbury Hotel, Ale Enver., of supplying uquor alter hours. His Worship added that it was lucky for M’Taggart that ho had parted with his license. Otherwise, he would certainly have endorsed it. “Jf it were left to me,” added Mr Mosley, “ 1 would see that M’Taggart never got a license again. Fined ten pounds and costs.” For supplying liquor to Scoon, he was convicted and ordered to pay costs. In respect to Anderson the charge was dismissed and in respect to M’Gill, as there was a doubt, the charge was also dismissed.

On an alternative charge of exposing liquor for sale, the evidence revealed that Constable Orchard, at 8.45 p.m., saw the barman admit a person. Tho constable followed inside and saw M’Taggart serve beer to Scoon and Anderson. A glass of beer was before Scott and John M’Gill and a halfcrown piece was lying before both. Anderson, M’Gill and John Wilson, a farmer, had an empty whisky glass each. The constable then showed himself and invited explanations, which were & Meanwhile, Edgar Hope entered the side door, whereupon M’Taggart yelled to “go to hell off the premises. It’s the likes of you that get a man into trouble. Get.” Hope vanished. The constable said that M’Taggart afterwards asked him to let the matter drop as he had parted with bis license. Scoon, Anderson and M’Gill were fined the maximum of £2 each for being on the premises. Wilson, who the Magistrate said had tried to tell, the truth, £l.