MYSTERY WOMAN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 September 1924, Page 8

MYSTERY WOMAN.

HELPING POLICE ON LIQUOR

RAIDS

SYDNEY’S METHODS. Police methods Avhicli have been operating in Sydney for some time have caused a great deal of discussion ou the employment of Avomen iii the detection of alleged sly grog sellers. Seldom does a month pass without some story of a gay Lothario of the force having spun a steel Aveb around such and such a cafe. In the venture he is generally assisted by a fair lady of mystery, A\ T hose dashing spirit and sparkling eyes are only equalled by the bubbling' champagne (purchased witjx marked money. But the story only comes out in the Police Court’ and all the romance is lost in such a cold, hard atmosphere. Police headquarters has no official avomen sleuths for A\;ork of this nature, but men on the detection AA’ork can find a dozen or more if the necessity arises for their use.

Several of them join in because they love something thrilling;' others there are, of course, who bring information and Avork for Avhat they can get out of it. ‘ .

There is one constable whose fiancee accompanies him occasionally, no doubt for sheer enjoyment, and another Avhose lady friend also goes along for the same reason. They know there is bound to be more excitement in the excursion than mere dancing. Women pplice are never used for spell. They are too Avell known, or perhaps they are not chic enough for such a delicate mission

Several months ago a dancing ship came under notice. Two constables in fancy dress, Avith two young women likewise arrayed, w:ent and after having what appeared to be an enjoyable time, nearly caused a Avreck when they confiscated liquor and charged their genial host. An idea of the activities • in Sydney may be gauged- from the fact that Sergeant A. Russell and a constable, who. Avork only a division, brought in £IOOO in fines for sly grog selling alone. That, of course, was not brought about solely with the use of Avomen.

The latter are only used on special occasions, such; gs |qr : cqfes and dance halls. For hotels they are never utilised.

At the Appeal Court last week one of these women, in telling her stpry. said: “We drink, what we can get Avhen Ave are on this work. We are not paid by results; we .get paid, win or lose.” :

They do not receive a great deal above out-of-pocket expenses. Few of them are called .upon to give evidence, because many of the defendants plead guilty, and even if npt, there is the second constable’s testimony in support of his comrade. So tlip skirmishing goes on. Whether the employment of women for such work meets everyone’s taste is doubtful. At any rate, it seems to have been eminently successful up tq date.