R.S.A. CHARTERED CLUBS

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26205, 31 August 1950, Page 3

R.S.A. CHARTERED CLUBS

POLICY ON ENTRY OF NONMEMBERS COMMISSION CALLS FOR STRICT CONTROL (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 30. Persons who were not members of s Returned Services’ Association should not be admitted to the association’s chartered club, even in the company of members, except cn very rare occasions, said the chairman of the Licensing Control Commission (Mr A. M. Goulaing) in Wellington to-day. The commission had been told by Mr R. Dwyer, - president of the East Harbour branch of the Wellington R.S.A.’that members of the Wellington R.S.A. Club could take non-meih-bers to the club on two days each week.

Mr Dwyer, who appeared to support an application for a charter for the East Harbour branch, said that members of the club had this right under the local rules.

“That is the first the commission has heard of any such local rules,” said Mr Goulding. Later, Mr T. U. Taylor, for the New Zealand R.S.A., said he thought the question was wider than one of jpst taking civilians into a club. There were activities in which women were engaged, so that on many occasions civilians would be using, the club. The matter could be investigated if the commission gave some indication of the position. “Without hesitation, the commission would disapprove of the granting of free admission on two days a week of [people who were not members of the I club, and not entitled to be, even if , they were with a member,” Mr Goulding said. “There might be permisI sion for a very limited right to take | non-members on very rare occasions. The ones who should be allowed are those entitled to membership, or honorary members.” When Mr Taylor saifi that something would have to be done, Mr Goulding replied: “I am quite sure something will have to be done. The R.S.A. has been given special privileges, and should safeguard them.”