CASE ADJOURNED

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22459, 21 September 1944, Page 4

CASE ADJOURNED

WITNESS FAILS TO APPEAR *

A case opened in the Magistrate’s Court, Hamilton, today was adjourned until tomorrow owing to the failure of a woman witness for the prosecution to appear, Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M., directing that a warrant be issued to ensure her presence tomorrow. The case was one in which Graeme Mason Chisholm, an airman, was charged with having beer In his possession near the Regent ' Dance Hall while a dance was in progress on August 26. Senior-Sergeant A. G. McHugh said defendant had been on firewatching duty in .an Air Force building immediately behind the dance hall. Men and women were seen coming away from the room where h“ was in charge. Evidence by Constable G. Tait showed that he saw three civilians, two airmen and two women in the room. Liquor was being consumed. Defendant on being questioned said he was on duty and had asked the other peODle in to have a few drinks. He did not claim the beer. Counsel’s Submission Mr C. Henry, appearing for defendant, submitted that as he had not attended the dance he could not l.e convicted on the charge. Mr Paterson said he was not disposed to uphold that contention. Defendant said the room was used as a classroom for an instrument school. He knew he was not supposed to allow visitors to enter while

he was on duty, nor was beer

allowed in the room, but he was tempted to when he heard the sounds of the dancing nearby. The case was then adjourned until tomorrow