OHAKUNE MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 55, 7 March 1939, Page 10

OHAKUNE MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ILLEGAL SALE OF LIQUOR. SEVEN DOZEN EMPTIES. (Own Correspondent) OHAKUNE, March 4. Before Mr. R. M. Watson, S.M., at the Ohakune Magistrate's Court, George Albert Edwards pleaded guilty on two charges of illegal sale of liquor and keeping liquor for sale. Sergeant Mcßae said that on January 28, the police called on the accused and purchased liquor, there being others there doing the same thing. On February 4, the police visited again and seized three dozen bottles of ale and seven dozen empties. There was no doubt this man had been trafficking for some time. From the seventh of October to December 1938, he had purchased 288 bottles ol ale frorc the Cascade Brewery, Taiha;«e, this averaging about five bottles a day. The accused had been previously warned by the police. Mr. Dobbie for defendant, said his client had arrived in Ohakune eleven months ago. and had become friendly with several men from the State Forest camp, and on Sunday evenings they all used to congregate at his whare and drink beer. About Christmas time, being out of pocket, he decided to sell beer to make a little money to help to pay his debts. There were about 15 present on the night of the raid, and only three dozen bottles of ale amongst them, so he really was only in a small way. His Worship said that defendant was a first offender under the Licensing Act, although his record was not a good one. He would be fined £4O on the first charge and costs 12s. On the second charge he would be fined £lO and 10s costs. Witness expenses amounted to £3 7s 6d and an order was made for the confiscation of the liquor. He was ordered to pay £3O down, and £5 per month. Sixteen persons were charged with being found on the premises, the fines ranging from 35s to 40s and costs 12s each. Traffic Cases. Alexander McLaren was charged with driving a motor lorry without a warrant of fitness. He was fined 15s and 12s costs. Max Blackie was charged with driving a motor-car at Rangataua without a warrant of fitness. He was fined 20s and 10s costs. Perham and Larson were charged with driving a lorry without two efficient brakes. A letter from the first stated that the ruck was only used for farm work. Inspector Hardigan sail that he had tried the foot and hand brakes and found that both were defective. The explanation of Perham and Larson was accepted and they were fined 30s and 10s costs. RUAPEHU CRICKET CLUB. Following are the fixtures for Sunday. March s: Ohakune v. Horopito, at Horopito. Ohakune Junction v. Raetihi B, at Ohakune Junction. Raetihi A v. Rangataua. at Raetihi.