HOUSE OF ILL FAME

Grey River Argus, 6 April 1943, Page 4

HOUSE OF ILL FAME

WELLINGTON CHARGE BALMORAL PRIVATE HOTEL P.A. WELLINGTON, April 5.. The conduct of the Balmoral Private Hotel in Countenay Place by Sarah Anne Vangioni, aged 54, was investigated by Mr . Stilwell, S.M--at the Magistrate’s Court when Mrs Vangioni was charged witn permitting the hotel to be used as a house of ill fame. She pleaded not guilty. For the police it was stated that thirteen witnesses would be called to give evidence that the premises had been used by servicemen and others for immoral purposes. Evidence would be given that the defendant was warned by the police of The manner in which the business were being conducted iin January last. POLICE EVIDENCE. P.A. WELLINGTON. April 5. In the Balmoral Hotel case, the police evidence was that when the hotel was watched from March 9 to March 13, there was a continual stream of servicemen and women entering 1 and leaving the premises. There was a raid on March 13. it was made in collaboration with American Marine police. The licensee of a neighbouring hotel said that he had complained to the police about the conduct in the Balmoral. There was no irnprovementj after his complaint till the raid was made. Marine police gave evidence of conditions seen in the hotel during their visits. Phoebe Manawatu told of booking servicemen into the hotel. She said that, under Mrs. Vangioni’s instructions, she had frequently booked different couples into one room on the same night. The Court adjourned at nine. p.m. till to-morrow.