OPIUM SMOKING.

Wairarapa Age, 20 December 1932, Page 3

OPIUM SMOKING.

EIGHT CHINESE SENTENCED IN AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND, December 19. Twice within ten days, a party of detectives has raided premises at IA3 Grey Avenue and found a number ox Chinese smoking opium. On the last occasion, seven Chinese were fined, and this morning, following a raid yesterday afternoon, another eight appeared before Mr. McKean, S.M., in the Police Court. Their fines totalled £267. Wong Hum, gardener, aged 44, who a week ago was fined £lOO, was again charged with allowing the premises to bo used for the smoking of opium. He pleaded guilty. “His appearance indicates either that he intends to disregard the law or that the last penalty was not big enough,” said Mr. McKean. Accused was fined £l5O, in default 3 months’ imprisonment. Seven Chinese were charged with being unlawfully on premises for the purpose of smoking opium. All pleaded guilty, with the exception of one, the charge against whom was dismissed. “They are only a lot of parasites and drag addicts,” said Mr. Kelly. “They were given time to pay last week and here they are again. Most of them were before the Court last week. ’ ’ Mr. McKean: “I didn’t recognise any of them.” Mr. Kelly: “They were in the same den as before. They had a lot of fresh material. It was the same keeper and the place was going as strong as ever. The den is a hole of iniquity.” Mr. McKean: “I am surprised that they have appeared so soon again. I will have to double the fines.” Fines ranging from £l2 10/- to £25 were imposed.—(P.A.)