JAZZ IN CONVENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18026, 22 May 1930, Page 14

JAZZ IN CONVENT.

MOTHER SUPERIOR FINED. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY. Attended by 200 young people, a Sunday night dance, held in a convent, led to the appearance before 'the Ash-ton-under-Lyne, Lancs., magistrates of the Mother Superior, Miss Jane Burke. ' Wearing the garb of a nun, she was charged with permitting the premises to be used for dancing without a licence. Sergt. Kingsley stated that when asked what the people were there for, Miss Burke replied, “I am holding a social to keep them off the street. She added that she had engaged a •band to play jazz music, but not for dancing. The band, continued witness, consisted of a cornet player, a pianist, and a violinist. They told him they were paid. Harry Slater, musician, of Burlington Street/ explained that haying a child ill he requested Miss Burke to see more order was maintained. Her answer was “I will not discuss it with you. You, are drunk. Get out.” The dances had been going on for eight weeks. For defendant, Mr H. D. Judson pointed out that Miss Burke, who was known as Mother Clare, believed she was doing good work in lefting the young people’) use the rooms on Saturdays and Sundays. Evidence was given that some of the youths paid 6d, some 3d, and four, who were out .of work, went in for a penny. . , The youths who organised the dances wanted a little bit for running them, stated Mrs .Walsh, of Blandford Street. Miss Burke mentioned that she had not made a penny out of the dances, but had lost money. Windows had been broken, the carpet ruined; and the fireplace broken by rowdy boys. ' in imposing the maximum penalty of £5, or 6i days’ imprisonment, the magistrates 'described it as a bad case