MORE SLY GROG-SELLING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 870, 8 November 1906, Page 21

MORE SLY GROG-SELLING.

A middle-aged woman, Sarah Jane Brown, pleaded not guilty before Mr R. W. Dyer, S.M., at the Police Court last Friday to having sold beer to J. W. Robinson on Sep ember 3, and to A. Christiansen on September 3 and 4, without being licensed to do so. ISub-Inspector Gordon conducted the prosecution, and Mr J. C. Martin appeared for the defendant.

Sub-Inspector Gordon said that in consequence of information received two constables visited the defendant’s house, and while there they were supplied with liquor.

Constable Christiansen gave evidence as to visiting the house on September 3 and 4. On the first-mentioned date he visited the house at half-past seven p.m. Mrs Kelly (lately deceased) received him, and took him into the kitchen. Later Mrs Brown offered him some whisky, but he told her he preferred beer. Shortly afterwards Mrs Brown went out, and rereturned with several bottles. Three were opened, and witness asked defendant what was the price, and she made a reply in Maori. Witness said, “Is it three shillings you want?” and the defendant replied, “Yes.” Later the defendant said to Robinson, “Aren’t you going to turn it on, old boy?” Robinson replied, “Yes,” and he paid 3s for more beer. Next night witness returned alone, but Robinson was there before

him. They were playing euchre when a knock was heard at the door. Defendant answered it, and came back and informed them that it was “Granny,” and she would not be back for half an hour. Witness said, “This is very dry, can’t you give us something to go on with?” Beer was supplied by the defendant, and 3s was paid for it. Mrs Brown then went away and he had not seen her since. Constable Robinson gave corroborative evidence.

Mr Martin said that there were two witnesses for the prosecution, and the defendant, who had a different account of the affair, was the only one for the defence. “I am not going to put her in the witness-box,” said Mr Martin. “You are undoubtedly right, Mr Martin,” Mr Dyer remarked. Continuing, Mr Martin said the defendant had been left practically deserted by her husband some years ago. She had children dependent on her and they were well looked after, two of them attending school regularly. Speaking of the offence, “the men had invited it,” said Mr Martin. On the first night there was no beer until the defendant had gone away and got it at the men’s request. The two charges for September 3 were practically one.

“Had the defendant been a man, I should have made a sentence of imprisonment right away,” said Mr Dyer. “Fining for sly grog-selling is no use.” Continuing, His Worship said that he would take into consideration the exceptional circumstances of the case. The defendant had little children dependent on her. “But,” said Mr Dyer, “if Mrs Brown doesn’t mend her ways no consideration will be shown.” On the first charge the defendant was fined and 7s costs, on the second she was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, and on the third charge she was fined and 7s costs. In regard to payment, four weeks was allowed in which to pay the fine. At the end of that time, if the fines were not entirely paid, Mr Martin informed Mr Dyer he would apply for an extension of time.