RICH MAN'S SECRET LIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 130, 2 June 1923, Page 19

RICH MAN'S SECRET LIFE.

SOCIETY CRIMINAL'S CLUB. The ultra-fashionable section of New York society Is greatly Intrigued at tho claims made by the police to have' discovered in tho most exclusive circles the existence of a " Crime Club." Although full details have not been made public, it is stated that in their ! search for relief from the tedium of living in luxury, and craving for new forms of diversion, several of the wealthier men and women have formed a club, member- | ship of which can only be gained by tbe ! commission of some crime. According to the report, the Idea origl- | nated ln the brain of a certain young, man, son of a wealthy manufacturer of Cleveland, Ohio, who for the past three years has made a name for himself for his extravagance and the rapidity with which he I* dissipating the hard-won millions of bis parent. After performing many public escapades, this young man suddenly took v serious turn and seemed to be as shy of publicities formerly he was desirous of continually featuring in the gossip columns of the smart society journals. The reason for this dramatic change, which has hitherto cuused much speculation, is now said to be forthcoming. He had brought Into being the " Crime Club," and, as its originator and leader, had himself been responsible for more than one of the more daring criminal enterprises which ln the past few months have baffled even the astutest of American detectives. With him are associated the names of two othef well-known men, one of whom is a successful criminal lawyer, three young women, and a following of lesser light* in the galaxy of moneyed stars that shine wltb such brilliance in the more daring sections of society. Full membership of the club could only be gained by the committing of some breach of the law which. If discovered, would lead to not less than three years' imprisonment ln the penitentiary. Robbery, swindling and blackmail were considered the lightest crimes that any self-respecting member could commit; but murder, it appears, was absolutely barred. The knowledge that they are leading double lives, that whilst they appear amongst their friends as careless, happy-go-lucky people, dancing and dining the time away, in their hearts lurk sinister secrets, secrets which, if known to the world, would quickly cause their appearance In a felon's dock, has provided them with a thrill they so eagerly seek. Then follows the excitement ot planning some daring " coup," then the actual carrying-out of. the crime, and latterly the entirely new sensation of walking abroad, a criminal, against whom the hands of the police may at any moment tnrn, should a clue havo been discovered. Though the club is supposed to have been in existence for several months, the most elaborate precautions against discovery havo been made. It is thought '. that an oath of secrecy has to be taken by ' the members, and that-the most elaborate ' precautions against any suggestion of the ' club's complicity have been taken, should any member fall into the hands ot the police • In support of this contention, those who I are interested In probing the mystery of ; the "Crime Club," state that the arrest " and conviction of Harold Brunner, a man of independent means, whose trial for forgery caused so great a sensation last ' year. followed upon an unfortunate at--7 tempt to qualify for .membership of the - ClU The details of this truly remarkable ' state of affairs that have already come to " Hght are stated to be the result of a very 1 unfortunate incident. The blackmailing of a young woman ■ by a supposed member of the ' Crime ' Club " was followed by her suicide at her home on Rhode Island. Investigations into her case have led the police along a trn il culminating in discoveries of .10- ---' tan" referring to the club.. It appear I lllflXLtnZ SSs\ who, in turn. ' passed it on to the right quarters.

people witht whom she was living, and they brought her to the police office. To the police officers she repeated ber Story without any variation, and even indicated tho spot where her mother's body WOUld be found. A search w-as accordingly made, without result, and early next morning she was taken to the allotment garden, and pointed to the place where she said she saw her mother. iMany times she was tested iv regard to her statements, but she did not alter It. She seemed to feel her position, and fainted two or three times. Her father was detained at the police office until inquiries were completed. The mother was at last discovered, safe and sound, at Barnsley. Apparently there was no reason why the girl should make such grave allegations against her father, and tbe police are completely mystified as to what her object could be in raising such a scare.