PREMISES USED AS BROTHEL

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 292, 8 September 1942, Page 5

PREMISES USED AS BROTHEL

Proprietor Given Maximum Sentence (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 7. “Whatever may be said in favour of licensed brothels, there is no place in this citv for a business of the kind carried on by defendant,” said Mr. Luxford, S.M., in the Magistrates’ Court, imposing the maximum sentence of three months' imprisonment upon Elizabeth May Cook for permitting premises in Hobson Street to be used as a brothel. Defeudant pleaded not guilty. The magistrate said the evidence of the police was uot. challenged by defendant. She merely said she did uot know, the premises were so used. “The proprietor of any house which provides lodging accommodation for public use in the way of business is under a duty to see that the premises are not used for an improper or unlawful purpose,” said Mr. Luxford. “That duty is not discharged bjy adopting a policy of 'no questions asked. ” The magistrate said he was satisfied that defendant only intervened to see that her patrons and their girl friends did not make too much noise and to let them know when the hour ot 10.30 p.m. had arrived. It might have been a mitigating circumstance if defendant had intervened to prevent girls who w’ere obviously under 1G being taken to the premises, but she did not. One cruel result of the omission was apparent from the evidence given at the hearing by sonn ol these children. Anyone who attempted to carry on such a business would now know lie could not expect any mercy. At the reqiiest of defending counsel, Mr. Sullivan, the magistrate fixed security for appeal at seven guineas and defendant was released on a bond of £5O pending the anneal.