HOUSE OF ILL-FAME

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 308, 23 September 1943, Page 4

HOUSE OF ILL-FAME

After a lien ring extending over Diree days in tin* Court, Wellington, Clam Hallam, apartment-liouso keeper, aged •58. was convicted yesterday ou a charge of permitting 40 Smith fchreet to be used as a house of ill-fume, and was sentenced by Mr. Stout. S.M., to the maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment and a fine of £JOO.

Sen!or-Sergeant C. .1. Paine said tlie information was laid under the Police Offences JCmergcncy Regulations, 1912. During the last 12 months. H had bce.i necessary for the police to warn de Cendant about the conduct of the house. ’There had been disturbances and arrests there. The evidence for the prosecution occupied t wo days, aml the case for the defence was taken yesterday. have Jistcued carefully to the case,

said the magistrate, ‘’aud am satisfied that there is overwhelming evidence that the house in question is and for n considerable time has been a brothel within the meaning of the regulations, and I am also satisfied that; Mrs. Hallam has allowed the premises to be used us a house of ill-fame. There is no reason why the maximum penalty should not be imposed.” Mr. C. H. Weston, K.C.. who appeared for accused, said the evidence showed that Mrs Hallam had done her best. She might have tailed, but. the most that could be said was (hat. she might, not have been efficient enough. "She must appeal.” counsel added. ’The magistrate: I don I: know about “must”: she may appeal. Mr. Weston: She will appeal. The magistrate lived security for appeal at V.TL plus the amount of the tine, aud said accused would have to remain in custody pending the decision of Uie Attorney -General.