SALE OF DREGS

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22611, 16 May 1945, Page 4

SALE OF DREGS

EX=BARMAN’S ALLEGATION EVIDENCE TO COMMISSION (Bv Telegraph—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Wednesday Cross-examination of a former barman, John Alexander Manderson, who yesterday told the Royal Commission on licensing that he personally had seen beer slops put back in barrels for re-sale in four Auckland hotels, was resumed at this morning’s sitting of the Commission. Prior to the continuation of the cross-examination by Mr H. F. O'Leary, representing the National Council of the Licensing Trade of New Zealand, witness asked if he could add to the information he supplied yesterday. “ They are taking gloves off to me so I will take my gloves off to them,” he said. Witness then made reference to notices concerning bookmakers posted in hotels but was interrupted by Mr O’Leary, who asked for reasonable notice of the new charges. The chairman, Mr Justice Smith, suggested that witness should supply details of the fresh charges to counsel assisting the commission, and the cross-examination then continued. To Mr O’Leary, witness said no one assisted him in the composition of the letter to the Standard in which he alleged the New Zealand Breweries “ were the culprits.” Asked whether, when a barman, he had ever made out a slip for wastage so that credit could be obtained by the manager, witness said he had not seen one. Poured Into Barrels Questioned as to how the dregs were replaced in the barrels, witness said there was a tap in the top of the barrel, which, at the Albion Hotel, had been knocked out after 6 p.m. and the dregs poured through a funnel. The same practice was followed at the Britomart and the Edinburgh Castle hotels. To Mr J. D. Willis, counsel assisting the commission, witness related an incident at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel when he was instructed by the licensee to fill a jar given him by a woman with dregs. He refused to do this and filled, the jar with fresh beer. (Proceeding.)