Fined For Selling Liquor At American Club

Northern Advocate, 22 February 1943, Page 2

Fined For Selling Liquor At American Club

(Special) AUCKLAND, Saturday. Four men who were associated with premises in Airedale Street known as the All American Club, appeared on summons in the Police Court yesterday afternoon Thomas Harris and Thomas Condon were charged with selling liquor without a license on January 7, and William Condon and Calvin Thomas Dufty, each appeared on charges that being occupiers of premises where liquor was sold, they were privy to the sale of such liquor, Senior-Sergeant Harley prosecuted, and Mr J. J. Sullivan appeared for the four defendants, each of whom pleaded not guilty. It was alleged by the prosecution that a woman constable went to the club on the night of January 7 in company with an American sailor, and bought two bottles of beer which were consumed at a table, and later another two bottles, which she took away. Other police witnesses gave evidence stating that the club was exclusively for American servicemen.* One sergeant said he had visited the club on many occasions, and at no time did he see anything to which exception could be taken. Mr Sullivan submitted that the club was formed by American servicemen in September as a place where they could meet for entertainment. An orchestra was provided, and dancing was indulged in. There was a locker system in operation, and members brought their own liquor which was stored in 60 lockers. Counsel produced the rules of the club, also the minute book, and several samples of writing paper used by members. The president and secretary were Americans, also the members of the committee. It was denied that William Condon and Dufty were the occupiers. Three of the defendants gave evidence and denied that liquor had been sold, while they also stated that the rule that liquor must not be taken away from the club was always strictly enforced. The magistrate' (Mr J. H. Luxford) said he believed the evidence of the policewoman, and he held that Dufty and Condon were the real occupiers. However, he said the case was different from the ordinary type of sly grog prosecution as some attempt had been made to carry on as a club. He believed that members did bring and store their liquor at the club. Each defendant would be convicted. William Condon. Dufty and Thomas Condon were each fined £SO. while Harris was fined £lO.