THE LICENSING CASES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 315, 16 July 1898, Page 2

THE LICENSING CASES.

(BY TELEGRAFH.—PEESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Last Night. The case against Messrs T. Taylor, M. H.R., Checketta and Armishaw of counselling and procuring a commission of a breach of the Licensing Act began to-day. In the information liquor was said to be procured from some one unknown, which, after ttie evidence had been heard, the Bench, at the request of Mr Jellicoe, allowed to be altered to Resigh, licensee of the Princess Hotel. Sir R. LStaut, who appeared for the defence, complained that this was an un-heard-of proceeding, as he had been precluded from cross-examining a witness on the point. He proceeded to argue that there was no proof that an offence had been committed ; that under the Act defendants should have been charged with a breach of the Licensing Act, and there was no evidence that Resigh was licensee of the Princess Licensed Hotel. Mr Jellicoe thereupon wauted to call evidence on the point, because he had understood Inspector Pender had stated the names were all in the document he produced to the Court. .After a good deal of wrangling, sometimes rather heated, between the Bench and counsel Mr Kenny, S.M., recalled Inspector Pender himself and took his evidence as to the licensee. Sir R. Stout again objected to fresh evidence being allowed after the case for the prosecution had closed, and also contended that according to the wording of the Act the defendants were liable to the same punishment as the publican, therefore to be able to commit an offence it must be proved they held licenses themselves. The Bench, after intimating that they diil not think there could be any case against Taylor, announced that judgment would be given on Wednesday.