LIQUOR AT PRIVATE HOTEL

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16034, 27 January 1920, Page 6

LIQUOR AT PRIVATE HOTEL

AN AUCKLAND PROSECUTION.

(Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 26,

At the Police Court to-day, Edward Francis Black, proprietor of the Cargon Private Hotel, was charged with having sold whisky, beer, and stout without a license.

Sub-Inspector Fohlmann said that a plain clothes constable was sent to board at the Cargen, and at various times gave orders to servants for liquor, which was placed in the room, money being given to a porter on one occasion. In this connection it was not affirmed that Black had actually sold the liquor, which might have been obtained outside. The charge related to liquor ordered on a Saturday even big after 6 o’clock and delivered to a bedroom on Sunday. The constable subsequently paid for the liquor and received a receipt for it. On Christmas Eve the police raided the Cargen, and defendant said that to compete with licensed houses he was in the habit of giving away about three bottles of whisky a day to guests. Boarders would also give orders, and liquor would be obtained outside, and it frequently happened that amounts so due were charged up in the accounts. As regards the Sunday incident, defendant said he used to borrow from a boarder. Asked to name one from whom it was likely liquor had been borrowed, defendant named one who had died a fortnight previously. The subinspector said the defendant readily disclosed his stock of liquor, which comprised a considerable quantity.

Mr Reid, for the defence, said the case was a peculiar one, as a great deal depended on what the Magistrate held constituted a sale. There was no question of* loose drinking in the hotel. Although it was admitted the order was received, no one could bo found who had, placed liquor iu the bedroom on Sunday. The hearing was adjourned.