ALLOWING LIQUOR TO BE DRUNK

Evening Star, Issue 21716, 10 May 1934, Page 12

ALLOWING LIQUOR TO BE DRUNK

CHARGES AGAINST "COUNTRY CLUB " PROPRIETOR NO EVIDENCE OF SALES [Pek United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Alay 10. “ What we say, without any reflection on defendant, is that this does serious public mischief by encouraging drinking among young women,” said Senior-sergeant Fox, when prosecutions were brought against Douglas Palmer Claridge, proprietor of Claridgo’s Country Club, 207 New Brighton road. Claridge was charged that, being the proprietor of Claridge’s Country Club, he permitted liquor to be drunk at a time when licensed premises were required to be closed; also with keeping open on a Sunday, a house known as Claridge’s Country Club, for the purpose of transacting business. The senior-sergeant said that Claridge stated that the cluh had a membership approaching 250, the majority of whom were well-known and all respectable. Members and male visitors were permitted to bring liquor, and they took full advantage of the fact. Following complaints, two young constables were sent to the club. They were there several times, but did not see any evidence of the sale of liquor or any sign of misconduct, other than drinking by women, old and young. On the constables’ last visit, both were questioned by defendant as to what they were doing there. He told them of the system followed, and the steps taken for the conduct of the place. Senior-sergeant Fox put in a statement made by the defendant, in which the system under which the premises were conducted was explained. Defendant stated that membership was limited by a committee of six. There was an annual membership fee of ss, above which there were other charges. Constable Grant said he visited the club on February 24, accompanied by his partner and Constable O’Hallorau and partner. It was a Saturday night. They arrived at 11 p.m., and bought two tickets (costing 10s) from an attendant at the door. Witness went upstairs to the bar with his partner. There, and in the lounges, he saw men and women drinking. There were women at the bar as well as men. Bottles, labelled with the names of their owners, were kept on shelves behind the bar. “ There was a barman known as ‘ Peter,’ ” witness said. He saw money change hanjls, but could not see whether it was for cordials or for alcohol. Witness asked for two wines, which he received. He offered payment for the wine, but the barman refused it. The Senior-sergeant: Did you drink the wine? Witness: Aly partner poured hers out of the wjndow, and as I drink alcohol only when required to do so in the execution of my duty I drank only a little of mine, and poured the rest away. (Laughter.)