A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE

Evening Star, Issue 19795, 20 February 1928, Page 4

A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE

AUCTIONED AT CHARITY DANCE SIR JOYNSON HICKS TAKEN TO TASK. LONDON, February 19. (Received February 20, at 9.10 a.m.) Because the Home Secretary (Sir Joynson Hicks) attended a charity cabaret dance at the Kit-Kat Restaurant, at which a bottle of champagne was auctioned for a high price, allegedly aftei hours, a temperance member of tho House of Commons, Mr Tom Groves, is raising the subject in the Commons Ho says that he does not wish to be taken too seriously. Sir Joynson Hicks is a man of high moral character, but should have an opportunity to explain. Sir Joynson Hicks admits that ho saw the bottle sold. Sir Archibald Weigall, who was the auctioneer, states that he does not remember if it was sold after hours. It was suddenly announced that he would sell it. He was not previously consulted, but could scarcely refuse. “ I acted innocently, and even chaffed Sir Joynson Hicks, who is a well-known teetotaller.”

The Kit-Cat Club, after a raid, ceased to be a night club, and is now a night restaurant.—A. and N.Z. and 1 Sun ’ Cable.