THE CONDUCT OF A CLUB.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 818, 16 May 1910, Page 4

THE CONDUCT OF A CLUB.

• « IMPUGNED AND DEPENDED. MINISTER ON LOCKER SYSTEM. (By Tcleeraoh—Press Association.) Christchurch, May 14. Tho Hon. D. Buddo was waited on todav by a deputation from tho Sydenham Working Men's Club in regard to certain allegations made against the conduct of tiio club. . Tho secretary, Mr. J. Austin, denied that there was excossivo drinking, and that no steps were taken to stop it, and assured tho Minister that no gambling was indulged in on tho club's premises. Ho quoted several letters from tho letterbook of the committee of the club to mombers who had been either cautioned, or had been deprived of the privileges of club for stated periods, or had been threatened with expulsion for being drunk on the club's premises, or who had indulged in foul language, or had behaved in a disorderly manner. The allegations regarding tho locker system were previously fully dealt with by the sccietnry in-» letter to tbe Minister. Tho Minister, in reply, said that he must acknowledge that tho deputation had been very frank, nnd ho would carefully consider tho mnttor, and report as to what lie considered the weight of nvideuco to be. It seemed that the locker svstem .was quite contrary to tho intention of Sub-Section 3 of Section 2G2 of the Act, but. on the other hand, it seemed that all the clubs had a similar system. However, that was one of the matters on which lie experienced considerable doubt, no would like the public to have tho best possible means of onjoving themselves with a minimum of anything that could Iμ regarded as abuse. Them worn individuals, unfcvtunately, who had to bo taken care of but, under other circumstances, the club had its own means of dealing with offenders, fie would send a reply this afternoon.