“BARMAN TELLS THIN STORY,” IS S.M.’S OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18772, 30 May 1929, Page 1

“BARMAN TELLS THIN STORY,” IS S.M.’S OPINION.

CHARGE DISMISSED, BUT LICENSEE MUST PAY £lO.

In the Magistrate’s Court to-day, James Gillespie, barman of the Oxford Hotel, was charged with supplying liquor to Oliver Harper while Harper was in a state of intoxication. The licensee, Henry William Thompson, was charged with permitting drunkenness. Mr Sargent appeared for the barman and for the licensee. Sergeant M’Namara said that with Constable Miller, he visited the Oxford Hotel on the afternoon of May 16. On entering the hotel, he saw the licensee, Thompson, supporting Harper, whom he took into the bar and put him alongside the bar, on which there was a glass of portergaff. The barman denied supplying Harper, but agreed to make a statement. How-1 ever, he changed his mind in the middle of it and did not continue. Thompson, when first questioned . regarding Harper’s condition, stated that he was all right, but later admitted that he was intoxicated. Witness said that he asked Thompson to request Harper to leave the hotel. Harper was unable to comply, as he was drunk and had fallen down. lie was then arrested by Constable Miller. Gillespie stated that the drink on the counter was bought by a brewery traveller and not by or for Ilarpcr. Mr Sargent said that the liquor was on the table when the police arrived. This supported Gillespie’s statement that the liquor had been bought by a traveller.

James Gillespie said that : t three different times on the day in question, Harper left parcels at the hotel and on each occasion had a drink. Witness had thrown one drink away in the presence of the police. He had done this because Harper might have consumed it.

Questioned by Sub-Inspector O’Hara, witness said that he did not know the name of the who had purchased the drink. lie did not see the licensee supporting Harper.

Sergeant O’Hara ssfid that the sale of the liquor must be rebel .ted and the barman’s evidence had not done this. The Magistrate (Mr E. C. Levvev) said that the case was OYI the borderne ’. The barman’s story had been a.bit thin, but it had left a doubt in his mind. He would dismiss the charge against the barman. Gillespie. Thompson, the licensee, .had been guilty of gross carelessness and he would be fined £IU fcnd costs.