CLUB FINED FOR LIQUOR BREACHES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 120, 27 May 1946, Page 8

CLUB FINED FOR LIQUOR BREACHES

(P.A.) Auckland, May 24. “From an ethical point of view it is not possible to discuss whether this class of club should be permitted to exist or not, and the matter, no doubt, will be considered by the Licensing Committee as a certain amount of evidence was tendered at their sittings,’’ said Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., when a series of information concerning breaches of the Licensing Act, brought against The New Zealand All Gold Old Boys Association (Incorporated) were heard before him.

There were seven informations against the club of selling liquor without licence, and one of keeping liquor for sale, while the secretarymanager, William Opie, was charged with aiding and assisting in the commission of seven of the alleged offences. There were four similar charges against Albert Anderson, a barman, and two charges against Nelson Bass, a barman.

Mr. King represented the club and Mr. Terry appeared for Opie, Anderson and Bass. A plea of not guilty was entered in respect of all charges. Sub-Inspector Forsythe said the club was incorporated on June 12, 1941. Its social ammenities included billiard tables, bowling rinks and lockers. When constables visited the room nrior to a search by warrant on May 4, they saw members buying beer for 2s a bottle. There was also a card system, by which members purchased a card for £1 4s, which entitled them to one dozen bottles of beer. Each time a member obtained a bottle from the barman the card was clipped. SubInspector Forsythe said Opie was nresent on the night of May 4, when the premises were searched and 160 dozen bottles of beer were found. Opie and other members nf the staff had co-operated with the police at the time of the search.

Mr. King contended that Ihe sales were not illegal. Beer was purchased by the club for consumption by members only, and was not sold to outsiders. It was sold over a bar, as in a club. With 3000 members a locker system was not practicable. He said the club has contributed approximately £lOOO to patriotic funds, and had maintained a hospital committee. Mr. Terry suomitted that Opie did not actually partake in the selling of the liquor, even though the prosecution contended that he was responsible for the conduct of the club. The barmen, as servants, had acted upon Instructions.

On each of the first and second charges the club was fined £lOO, and on the third charge £5O. On the other informations it was convicted and discharged. Decision was reserved in the case of the defendant Opie, while Anderson and Bass were each convicted on one charge, and convicted and discharged on the others.