Former Lady Fergusson Hotel, Currie Street, 1942

State Library Catalogue Reference: B 10914

Established in 1869, the Lady Fergusson Hotel, on the south-west corner of Currie Street and North Street, traded until 1921.

SHANDY FOR BEER
HOW PUBLICAN OBEYED THE LAW
In the Adelaide Police Court yesterday, before Mr. S. J. Mitchell, S.M., and justices, Alfred M. Gibbons, licensee of the Lady Fergusson Hotel, Currie street, pleaded not guilty to a charge of having, on February 23, unlawfully supplied liquor to a person (Elsie Annie Maud Smith) under the age of 21 years. Sub-inspector Beare prosecuted, and Mr. W. A. Rollison appeared for the defendant.
Elsie A. M. Smith said that on February 23 she went to the Lady Fergusson Hotel, Currie street, and called for a butcher of beer. Defendant supplied the liquor. The following day she visited the hotel with Policewoman Ross, and Sergeant Reiley.
Mr. Rollison—Can you tell beer from shandy?
Witness—Yes. I know beer, anyhow.
Can you tell alcoholic beer from non intoxicating beer?
I think so.
Will you let me test you?
Yes, I am prepared to try.
The S.M. declined to allow the test He would not allow Mr. Rollison to break the law.
In reply to further questions the witness said she left home on February 22. Next morning she had five drinks. One was whisky. She did not know what happened after that.
Sergeant Reiley said that on Saturday rooming, with the girl Smith and Police woman Ross, he visited the defendant's hotel. When asked whether she had anything to drink at the hotel defendant said he had given her a "shandy gaff."
Constable Annie Ross and Constable Fleet also gave evidence.
The defendant said he thought the girl was under age. She asked for a butcher. He got a bottle of "Just It" and another of soda water and made up a "shandy." He gave that to the girl.
Sub-Inspector-Beare—Do you deceive all your customers by supplying them with cheaper beer?
If I consider if to their benefit, I do.
The S.M. said he was perfectly convinced that the girl was telling the truth. He also believed that the defence was reasonable and that any reasonable man would do what the defendant said he did. The information would be dismissed. A similar charge against Patrick Verne, a barman, in the employ of a licensed victualler was withdrawn.
From the Daily Herald, Friday 2 March 1917, page 2

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