CHINESE CLUB RAIDED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 44, 21 January 1926, Page 5

CHINESE CLUB RAIDED.

SEARCH FOR OPIUM

' TWO MEMBERS FINED,

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 19. The Chinese Masonic Club in Madras street apparently has in its book of ceremonies other rites than those usually observed by tho brotherhood. For instance, when Customs officials paid a visit there about midnight yesterday they stumbled on vliat seemed to be a little smoking party at the rear of the premises. There were such things as a lighted slush' lamp, opium “seconds” and “thirds,” a warm opium pipo and two Chinamen. Their Oriental paradise was roughly jolted by the arrival of tho raiders, and the Chinese descended to reality with dramatic suddenness. They did not submit without a struggle, and one Celestial dashed on tho floor a quantity of opium before ho was overpowered. The net result was that, by Mr H. P. Lawrv, S.M., in the Court to-day, Stanlcv Horne, aged 32, was lined £2O, and Mock Sing, aged 43, £5 for being in possession of smokable opium. Mr IV. J. IVratt, who appeared for tho Customs Department, after outlining the circumstances, said _ that Horne had been convicted for a similar offence in 1924, and fined £5. Mr E. IV. White, who appeared for the two accused and pleaded guilty, said that there was no suggestion at all that the two accused had been smoking opium. They were in possession of a small quantity of opium Horne had only “thirds” opium, which was hardly in a smokable condition. The implements discovered were just what might be found in a resort of that kind. Mock Sing had been in Christchurch for many years, and this was tho first time there was any suggestion about his having opium. He was known as a good type of Chinese. Mr White did not know whether tlie opium was obtained in anticipation or tho Chinese New Yoar. Whether it was intended,to smoko the opium nas not material. Mr White pointed out tho peculiar fact that the fine was heavier for having opium mono s possession than for smoking it. Mock Sing had a very small quantity in his possession. Horn© was recently in Wellington, but there was no suggestion that he had brought the opium from Wellington. The club was the Chinese headquarters m Christchurch, and the smoking materials were left around, most likely, by those using them previously.