“SHRINE OF BACCHUS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19477, 21 December 1925, Page 8

“SHRINE OF BACCHUS”

CHRISTMAS CELEBRANTS “ROLLING IN” TO POLICP STATION. Christmas celebrants have already begun to make their presence felt, and hardly a day passes but the police station is made the temporary place of abode of some “worshipper at the shrine of Bacchus.” On Saturday morning Mr J. S. Barton, S.AL, was called upon to deal with two persons who had taken an over liberal dose of the “cheering amber.” “Fought A Good Fight.” The first offender, Daniel Keen, when called stepped forward, smiled “sheepishly,” and blinked up at the bench. One eye was partially closed, the optic having taken on a purplish hue as a result of it having come in contact with a motor-car. He admitted that he had been found drunk in Ridgway Street, and also that he had obtained liquor during the currency of a pro* hibition order.

“This man had a big list at nno time, but this is the secund order out against him, which he has respected fairly well,” remarked Senior-Sergeant Lopdell in introducing the genial Dan. The Senior-Sergeant added that he (the accused) had made a rather good attempt to observe the order, which was made in Al ay last. He had fought, a good fight to better himself. The defendant was convicted and fined 12s fid, in default 24 hours as the compulsory guest of the Govern ment for drunkenness, and £1 for a breach of the order. Goodwill Prevails With the Magistrate.

He fidgeted with a dilapidated het, and looked furtively up at His Worship over a walrus moustache. He answered to the name of William Dennis, and his trouble seemed to be that he had “tipped the amber bowl” well but not wisely. He was also an old acquaintance. “Yes, I had a drink or two yesterday,” was the bland admission of W. liam. He said he was not in any company. It was in an hotel up the road where he had imbibed, and not anywhere down near the Courthouse. Senior-Sergeant Lopdell: “He dodges here as he thinks there arc too many policemen about.” He was, however, one of the men who were a menace to motorists, and did not know whether he was on the road or the foot path. He was not, however, a bad sort. Tho evidence was mounting up. and William in a vain effort reiterated his remarks relative to his having only had a few drinks, ami added that it was about six o’clock when he set out, for home, where he had an appointment. Senior-Sergeant Lopdell pointed out that Dennis was a bit out in his cal dilation as ho was arrested at 8 o’clock. The Alagistrate thought Ihe accused had qualified for a term of imprisonment that would carry him over Christ- | mas. “I don’t want that.” wailed Wil liam, as he appealed for leniency. Ho would keep out of trouble, and have only a few drinks occasionally.

The Alagistrate said that it was tho three or four little ones that always upset motorists. He added that as it was so near Christmas, he would give Dennis the option of a fine. However, if he camo up again betwee this and the twenty-fifth he would spend his Christmas in gaol. A fine of £2 was imposed, in default five days’ imprisonment.