POLICE AT CLUBS

PROSECUTIONS FOLLOW LIQUOR LAW CHARGES TWO MANAGERS IN COURT The managers of two dance halls, the Shortland Club and the Titirangi Country Club, appeared before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., yesterday, charged with breaches of the Licensing Act. Two charges of permitting liquor to be drunk in a restaurant and two of permitting liquor to be taken into a public dance hall were admitted by Vincent G. Harkins, manager of the Shortland Club (Mr. Meek). A plain-clothes constable went to the club 011 April 24 and again on May 17 with a parcel of liquor, and was admitted, said Senior-Sergeant .Joyce. He paid for admission on both occasions, and bought meals. There was no suggestion that liquor had been sold on the premises.

On the first two counts defendant was fined £5, and on the others convicted and discharged. Pleas of not guilty were entered by Mr. Learv on behalf of Max Archer, manager of the Titirangi Country Club, to two charges of permitting liquor to be taken into a dance hall while a dance was in progress, and two of permitting liquor to be drunk. A further charge of storing liquor was denied. Mr. .Joyce said he led a raiding party which visited the premises on May 3. A plain-clothes constable who had gone in earlier was dancing when thoy arrived. The police found 127 bottles of drink stored behind the bar.

Counsel said the club was run at a loss by the owner, Mr. Gordon Hunter, who had conceived the idea of making it a country club for members, who were allowed to introduce guests. The defendant Archer was only employed as rnr mger, and wa.s himself a member. Ihi facts of the police case were not denied, but counsel submitted that although run on those lines the premises were in fact Hunter's dwelling, and as such did not come under the Act.

The hearing was adjourned until Monday.

Fines of £5 with costs were imposed on three defendants, Clfflrord Loomb, Albert «J. McKenna and James M. Thompson, on charges of having liquor at dance halls.