SELLING LIQUOR WITHOUT A LICENSE

West Coast Times, Issue 13731, 30 January 1906, Page 4

SELLING LIQUOR WITHOUT A LICENSE

Wellington, Jan 29. At^he Magistrates Court today before Dr M'Artbur, William Darke and Edward Brett, proprietors of an fating house in the city known as the Strand Cafe were charged on three separate informations with having sold beer without being licensed to do so. Evidence was given for the prosecution to show that a party of probationary cocst&bles viaited the Cafe on three tuccesßnra nights and while having supper were supplied with bottled beer at Is 6d per bottle by the waitress. One night they purchased a bottle to take awayAll the visits were made after ten o'clock ut which hour ike hotels close. A day or two after the place was searched by the police who found two dozen bottles f ul l of beer and seventy*!! ve empty bottles. For the defence Violet Patton, the waitress, deposed that she bad instruction? from her employers not to supply liquor if ter ten at night It was her custom to send aut for the liquor required by men visiting the restaurant. She knew that defendants had liquor on the premises and granting a favour to the witnesses' for the proiecution the. told them she would get a bottle if they did not Eay anything to the <( boss." Clark did not know that witness had taken the liquor until he was making up bis books. Subsequently h« foand that a bottle bad not been accounted for. He asked witness if Bhe sold it and she said ''Yes." He then asked how much she got for it aod she replied " one and six." To this he added "You can have that; don't do it again." His Worship laid he h*d no hesitation in styins; that the liquor was cold and that ho conld sot believe the girl. Each defendnnt would be fined £25 with 3s 6d costs, or in default one month'a imprisonment. Counsel for the defence applied to have the fine reduced to 4,25 for both defan* dants. His Worship refused to do this. Wilful perjury had been committed by the witness for the defence. He also refused to grant tail to the defendants. Counsel said bis clients had no money. His Worship— 'Well, they must go to gaol."