CLUB FINED HEAVILY FOR SELLING LIQUOR

Chronicle (Levin), 25 May 1946, Page 6

CLUB FINED HEAVILY FOR SELLING LIQUOR

Frcr.s Association

By Telearaph —

AUCKLAND, May 24. "From aa ethical point of view it is not possible to diseuss -wlietlier tliis class of club should be pei'iuitted to exist or not and the matter no doubt will be considered by tlie Licensing Committee as a certain amouxit of evidenee was tendered at tlieir sittings, ' ' said Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., when a series of informations concerning breaehes of the Licensing Act broaght against the New Zealand AlTGold Old Boys' Association (Incorporated) were heard before him. There were seven informations against the club of selling liquor without a licence and oue of keeping liquor for sale, while the secretary-inauager, AVilliam Opie, was charged with aiding and assisting in the commissipn of seven of the alleged offences. There were four similar cliarges against Albert Anderson, barman, and two charges against Nelson Bass, barman. Mr. King represented the club and Mr. Terry appeared for Opie, Anderson and Bass. Pleas of not guilty were entered in respeet of all charges. Sub-Inspector Forsythe said the Club was incorporated on June 12, 1941. The social amenities included billiard tables, bowliug rinks and loekers. When constables visited. a room prior to a search by Warrant o'n May 4, they saw mem: bers buying beer for 2s a bottle. There was also a eard system by which mernbers 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. Sub-Inspector Forsythe said Opie was present on the niglit of May 4 when the premises were searched and 160 dozen bottles of beer were found. Opie and other members of the 'staff had cooperated with the police at the time of the search. Mr. King contended that the saies were not illegal. The 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 had contributed approximately £1000 to the patriotic funds and maintained a hospital committee. Mr. Terry submitted 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 upou instructious. On each of the first and secoiul charges, the club was lined £100 ai^d on the third charge £50. On the other informatious it was convieted and discharged. Decision was reserved in the case of Opie, while Anderson and Bass were each eonvicted and fined £10 on one clia'rge and convieted and discharged on the others.