VICE-STRICKEN CITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18702, 7 May 1924, Page 9

VICE-STRICKEN CITY.

NEW YORK STATE CAPITAL.

" CLEAN-UP " CAMPAIGN.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, (Reed. 10.55 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 5.

Emulating the example of Philadelphia the city of Albany has engaged a military officer to " clean up" the*municipality,, which, it is alleged, is vice-stricken. Albany is the capital of the State of New York. When the State Legislature ended its session last week it is' alleged that legislators indulged in a last-moment orgy during which liquor flowed freely.

It is also stated that roulette, faro, and pool rooms exist where betting occurs within a few squares of Parliament Building, in the so-called " red light" district. Within the same neighbourhood there are said,to be special bars for legislators, , conveniently located. ;

The Mayor, Mr. Hackett, declares that the police are inefficient and corrupt. The force is 'to be thoroughly reformed, he says, bootleggers are to be driven out, and the city is to be " mopped up."

Numerous arrests have already been made, and the bootleggers, who opsriito from the Canadian border and are making Albany the .centra of their activities, have been warned to stay outside, the city limits. .. r 1