ASKED TO LEAVE

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 223, 20 September 1935, Page 8

ASKED TO LEAVE

POLICE AT EL REY.

NIGHT CLUB VISIT. IN NO-LICENSE DISTRICT. PROPRIETORS . CHARGED, As a sequel to a recent visit paid to the El Fvcy Country Club, a well-known Auckland night club, by two constables who had partners with them, the proprietors of the club, Maurice Hampton McLennan and his wife, Helen Viola McLennan, appeared 011 summons, in the Police Court to-day, before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. They were charged, 011 June 1, that being the proprietors of premises known as the El Key Country Club, situated in the no-license district of Mount P.oskill, they kept or used such premises as a place of resort for the consumption of intoxicating liauor. Sub-Inspector J. Fox prosecuted. Mr. J. Terry appeared for defendants, who pleaded not guilty. " Public Mischief." Sub-Inspector Fox said that not many of these cases had come before the courts. It was admitted that the premises in question were situated in a 110-license district, "Consequent 011 information and complaints received by the police, Sub-Inspector I). Scott undertook the investigation," said Mr. Fox. "Two constables were specially sent to El Key 011 the night of June 1 and they had 110 difficulty in being admitted as members. It appears that provided a man is a respectable citizen and signs a form, he can become a member of this alleged club and can take in a partner who is not a member. Women are not entitled to become members, although they are allowed to enter the premises. Members can take in what liquor they wish for consumption on the premises. Wc say that this is a place that is a source of public mischief as young women can be supplied with liquor." Two New Members. Sub-Inspector Fox said both constables were told that they lind to become members. On payment of 12/0 each, and after signing a form, they were qualified members. They were told by defendant that no liquor was sold 011 the premises. Asked if they had liquor with them, the constables replied that they had not. "It is alleged that they were told that if they wanted liquor they would have to ring a certain taxi firm," added the sub-inspector. "Apparently this is part of the system. However, the constables did not ring." Continuing, Mr. Fox said the defendants had a five-year Tease or the premises. They derived all the profits from tho business, club members getting nothing from it. "Both Mr. and Mrs. McLennan were very rrank and explained tho system and showed Sub-Inspector Scott over the house when 110 later visited it. It Is our suggestion that were it not for the facilities for the consumption of liquor 011 the premises this club would cease to exist. There arc to be found young people who could not get liquor at night in any other place in the city. The men who take young women to this place would not take them to their own homes to consume liquor. We regard this as a serious matter. Both constables observed what went on. They saw a properly-fitted up bar where soft drinks could bo purchased and glasses supplied. Eacli member, on entering with liquor, hands his liquor to the barman, and it is labelled with the member's name and placed on the shelf in the bar. The constables on the night of June 1 noticed that several persons— male and female—were obviously under the influence of liquor, although they were not drunk. Before the night was out the defendant found out that tho two new members were constables and asked them to leave."

Sub-Inspector's Evidence. Sub-Inspector D. Scott then gave evidence. He said ho went to EI Rey on the morning of July 20 and interviewed both defendants. When told that the police had received complaints that drinking took place on the premises, they said they would be only too happy to give all information, and both did so. Ihey said they had a five-year lease of the house, the lease being in their joint names. The lease commenced on July 19, 1934. They said the club was not registered and that there were about 325 members. Defendants produced a printed copy of the rules, one stating that no intoxicating liquor coukl be sold. There was an advisory committee comprising five menibers, the names and addresses of which were given to witness. Concerning the profits, witness said that these went into the defendants' banking account. There was no banking account in the name of the fclub. Members were permitted to bring their own liquor, which was labelled with the name of the member by the bar steward. The bar steward served liquor to cach member and his guest as requested. Glasses were supplied free and cordials at (id per bottle. Cigarettes and matches were also sold while meals were supplied, a proper menu being published.

I was tokl that the average attendance on Saturday nights and on ~ala occasions was about 100 couples," said Sub-Inspector Scott, "and that the average week-night attendance was six or seven couples. I also understand that the club is open until four o'clock on Sunday mornings. Mr. and Mrs McLennan told me that they did not allow misbehaviour or drunkenness on the premises, and they gave me the name of a man who was ejected for drunkenness. They also gave me the names of prominent citizens of Auckland who regularly attend the club, showing the class of patrons who go there."

"Even Home Brew." Witness said lie saw about 1,50 bottles' of intoxicating liquor, including brandy, gin, cocktail, port wine, two dozen | bottles of ale and some cider. "There I were even three bottles of liojne brew, which I was told belonged to one member," said Mr. Scott. (Laughter.) "There were also six dozen glasses." Cross-examined by .Mr. Terry, SubInspector Scott said the defendants were candid and indicated that they wanted 1 to keep within the law. J Mr. Terry: Did they tell you that before signing the lease they discussed the matter of running this club with the superintendent of police?— Yes, they said they had discussed it with a police officer, but I am not certain that they , mentioned the name. Mr. Scott, would you prefer this method of controlling the drinking of liquor to people drinking it under a tree or in a motor car? —If it is controlled, but in this case the premises are situ-'

ated in a no-license area. As much as Mr. and Mrs. McLennan might try to control the drinking of liquor it is impossible. Is it not undoubtedly the practice for liquor to bo consumed in nearly all dance halls in Auckland? —I don't appreciate all of the things that go on in Auckland. Mr. Hunt: We can take it that liquor is consumed in dance halls. At this stage the Court adjourned for lunch. Re-examined, Sub-Tnspector Scott said that liquor was taken to the premises by patrons. lie was informed that ono party took five bottles of gin and five bottles of whisky, 0110 each of which was consumed and the rest taken away. Constable's Story. Constable C. A. Lane said that he, in company with Constable W. T. Pender, visited 'El Key on a Saturday night. They took partners, and asked a steward at the door for tickets for a party of four. Defendant, who was standing nearby, asked if they were members. On being told they were not, defendant told them that they would have to pay a member's fee of 12/6 a couple. They became members, and entered their names in a book. (Proceeding.)