The Sydenham Working Men's Club.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5563, 10 March 1886, Page 3

The Sydenham Working Men's Club.

• ! A DENIAL OF CHAEGES. j TO THE EDITOR OF THK BTAH. ; Sir, — Having had my attention drawn to the report of the meeting of the Sydenham Licensing Bench in last night's Star, i I find, under the head of Sunday trading, ; "Constable Dougan is reported to have said that he believed the publichouseß got credit for a deal of Sunday drinking for . which they were not responsible, but which • was due in some degree. to the Working Men's Club," and, farther on in the report, Mr Jones, one of the Licensing Commissioners said he could corroborate what the constable said about the Club. Now as such a report (if not contradicted) is calculated to do the Club a great deal of harm, I; therefore, take this opportunity ', of giving the matter a most emphatic ' denial. In terms of the Club's license we are empowered to sell refreshments during certain hours on Sunday to members of the Club, but that there is any drunkenness in the Club on Sunday, or any other day, I , most emphatically deny. The manage- ; inent Committee of the Club take ! every precaution to prevent any drunkenness or disorderly conduct on the Club's premises. I must inform Constable Dougan that his report on the Club was entirely uncalled for, and the Com- - mittee of the Club are quite prepared to meet his report in the proper quarter, but , not before the Sydenham Licensing Bench. : As for the two residents of Sydenham Mr Jones saw drunk on Sunday la9t, and who told him they came from the Club, I can inform Mr Jones that he was deceived, as I can prove they were not members, and did not come from the Club. If Constable Dougan wishes, the Committee of the Club will be glad at any time to shjw him over ! the Club's premises. And the Committee of the Club are prepared to show that the Club is managed strictly in ac-ordance with the terms of its charter. Trusting '■. you will give this publicity — I am, &c, : J. A. BEATTIE, I Secretary, , Sydenham Working Men's Clnb. Sydenham, March 10, 1886.