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\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379024\charrsid15613689 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903 
\par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379024\charrsid15613689 (WESTERN DIVISION)
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13727199 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid15613689 AT LAUTOKA
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid13727199 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13727199 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 Criminal Appeal No. 77 of 1977
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 BETWEEN}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid15613689 REGINA
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 AND}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid15613689 SHIU NARAYAN SHARMA}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par s/o Hari Chand Maharaj
\par Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par Mr. Ikbal Khan, Counsel for the Appellant
\par Mr. H. C. Sharma, Counsel for the Respondent.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379024 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid15613689 JUDGMENT}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15613689 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16254957 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 The accused a shopkeeper with an off-licence pleaded Not Guilty }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 to selling 32 bottles of beer outside}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957  permitted hours.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid16254957 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 The beer was delivered at 9.55 P.M. which is many hours outside }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 permitted }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 hours. Under S.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 47 of the L}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 iquor Ordinance, Cap. 167, as am}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 ended, }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903 
the hours of sale are 8 A.M}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 . - 6 P.M. and 8 A.M}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 . - 1.00 P.M. on Saturdays.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid16254957 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 The offence occurred on 19th September, 1975, a Friday.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689\charrsid16254957 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 It is disturbing that although this offence occurred on 19}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid15613689 th}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689  September, 1975 the police did not fi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 le a charge until 20/2/76.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16254957\charrsid16254957  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 One is}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
 bound to wonder why it took the police several months to bring this charge into the court. It was mentioned 7 times before a hearing was fixed for 11.5.77.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15613689 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3475507 On 11.5.77 the accused change}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 d his plea}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007\charrsid16254957 
 to one of guilty and he was}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3475507  discharged under S.38 (1) P.C.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid266853 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879 The Crown now appeals on the ground that that order was manifestly lenient.
\par 
\par Crown Counsel referred me to }{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879\charrsid266853 R v. Paras Ram}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879 , Cr.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid266853  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879 App.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid266853  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879 21/77 in which Stuart J. expres}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid266853 sed his view on the use of S.38}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879 (1), and with which I respectfully concur. The power under S.38(1) P.C. is to be exercised most sparingly}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid266853  and only after a very careful}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879  consideration of all the facts which should be explained in the record.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537911 Mr. Sharma, for the accused said in mitigation that the accused had not sold the beer outside of permitted hours and that this is what he told the police when he was questioned}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid266853 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537911  In outlying the facts the prosecution stated that the acc}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid266853 
used told the police that he had sold the beer at 5.00 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537911 .P.M.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537911 
\par Mr. Sharma said that the beer had be}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1186816 en left in the accused's frig. b}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537911 ecau}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1186816 
se the purchaser had not frig. o}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537911 f his own and he wanted cold beer for a party. It was th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 en collected at 10 P.M. by the p}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537911 urchaser.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11745980 
\par It was the kind of explanation }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1186816 which could readily spring to the lips of any person charged with such an offence.
\par 
\par This }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10518409 explanation was}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11745980  adhered to by Mr. Sharma}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
 during the appeal and he said that he doubted whether he should have allowed the accused to plead guilty. He said that the accused was being charged for granting a favour to a customer.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11745980 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
\par The charg}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10518409 e is framed under S.47}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 (3) of the Liquor Ord., }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903 
Cap. 167, which makes it an o}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 ffence to sell or supply liquor outside permitted hours.
\par 
\par No definition of }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 sell}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
 or }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 sale}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
 appears in the Liquor Ordinance but the Sale of Goods}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10518409  Ordinance Cap. 206 says in S.2}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 (i),
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10241986 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
sale includes a bargain and sale as well as}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903  a sale and}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170  delivery.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16254957 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
\par Thus in this case before the sale could be completed there }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10518409 must }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 be a delivery.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10518409 By S. 3}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 (3) of the Sale of Goods Ordinance,
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10241986 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
Where under a contract of sale the property in the goods}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10241986  is transferred }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10518409 from the seller }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10241986 to the buyer}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10518409 , the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716204 contract is called a sale; \'85\'85.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid659170 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16254957 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10241986 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716204 In order to understand S. 3}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903 (3) one has to appreciate }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716204 how the}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903  property in goods is transferred and this is explained in Part III of that Ordinance. By S.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11929090 19,}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11929090 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11929090 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11929090 
Where there is a contract for the sale of unascertained goods no property in the goods is transferred to the buyer unless and until the goods are ascertained.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13727199 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11929090 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16254957 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716903 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10241986 It would be difficult to think of 32 bottles of beer in an off-licence, which no doubt stores hundreds of bottles, as }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716204 
ascertained goods. Off-licences}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10241986  in Fiji invariably have sold and un
refrigerated bottles of beer stores for sale. It would be unlikely that 32 specific bottles in the frig. Or cooler were at the time of payment wrapped up and placed apart and so appropriated to the purchaser. By Rule V(ii) of S.21 when the vendor delivers
 unascertained goods to the buyer, (in this case 32 bottles of beer) he is deemed to have appropriated the goods to the contract.
\par 
\par In the instant case 32 bottles of cold beer were handed over to the customer at 9.55 P.M. and the buyer than accepted them.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6376734  It would not be until they were }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950728 handed over that the particular}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6376734  bottles of beer became ascertained and it would not be unti}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950728 l then that the property in them}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6376734  was transf
erred. Consequently the sale was not completed at 5.00 P.M. when the money was paid but was simply an executory contract until 9.55 P.M. at which time the sale of the 32 bottles was completed by handing them over.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10241986 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12929879\charrsid16254957 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6376734 It follows then that there was nothing ambiguous or erroneous in the plea of guilty tendered by the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004986 
 appellant on the advice of his lawyer, Mr. Sharma. The }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2915249 fact}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004986 s put forward by the accused himself s}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950728 how that although the contract o}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004986 f sale was entered into at 5.00 P.M. it was not completed until 10.00 P.M.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6376734 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12004986 
\par The learned magistrate referred to the offence as trivial and I am not sure what he meant. Did he mean that the Liquor Ordinance created a trivial offence when it forbade the selling of liquor outside of permitted hours? If that is so then there ca
n be no point in establishing any permitted hours if the judiciary are going to say, of their own accord, that such offences are too trivial to merit punishment.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4290363 
\par Riding a cycle at night without a light is a petty or summary offence, but whether, when such
 an offence is actually committed, it is trivial depends upon where the cyclist is riding. If it is on a very minor road scarcely ever used at night by motor vehicles the offence may}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5002661  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4290363 be regarded as trivial. But }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13836258 if it occurs on a busy main road which is unl
ighted and unrestricted as to speed it ceases to be trivial and becomes serious alt}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5002661 hough it is nevertheless petty.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4290363 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13836258 
\par Had the beer been sold a mere 10 minutes after permitted hours one may take the view that it was trivial.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16603460 
\par No doubt it seems anomalous that restaurant licences}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6691049  permit the sale }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16603460 
of intoxications until very late hours and an off-licence is restricted to 6.00 P.M. However, that is what the legislature intends and the Courts should not regard statutory offence as so trivial as to merit no punishmen
t. It is as good as saying that the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7299744 
legislature ought not to have created such an offence. One looks not at the type of offence but at the created such an offence. One looks not at the type of offence but at the circumstances surrounding it in order to determine whether it is trivial.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16603460 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7299744 
\par In the instant case the legislature provides for a fine of $200 and 6 months imprisonment for the offence in question.
\par 
\par In my view the fact that the offence occurred 4 hours outsi
de permitted hours is one feature which ought not to be regarded as trivial. It shows a complete disregard for permitted hours. Likewise 32 bottles of beer can scarcely be regarded as such a negligible quantity as to come within the meaning of trivial.

\par 
\par Although one may hold views to the effect that such laws are not very effective or that they operate unfairly they nevertheless have to be obeyed and enforced. If off-}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5002661 licences could sell intoxicant
}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7299744 s until 10.00 P.M., one would probably find late night drunks in rural areas in the vicinity of off-licences where there are not the means of controlling or restraining them.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969 
\par People holding parties which consume large quantities of beer can scarcely rely upon refrigerators if they have them, and they use quantities of ice to cool it. The purchase in the instant case could adopt the same means.
\par 
\par With all respect to the learned magistrate I do not regard this as a trivial offence of its kind.
\par 
\par I set aside the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4225478 magistrate's order and impose a }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969 fine of $3}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510449 0}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969 .00 which I have kept on the low side having regard to the fact that the offence is now nearly two years old.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6376734 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969 
\par Accused allowed 7 days to pay.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11369969 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4225478 (SGD) J.T. WILLIAMS}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969\charrsid11369969 
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11369969 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969\charrsid11369969 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16254957 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969 LAUTOKA,
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11929090 26th }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11369969 August, 1977.
\par 
\par Director of Public Prosecutions for the Appellant
\par Messrs. Patel & Sharma for the Respondent.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3297007 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2370302 Date of Hearing: 11th August, 1977.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2370302\charrsid16254957 
\par }}