HOUSE OF ILL-FAME

Evening Star, Issue 24293, 7 September 1942, Page 2

HOUSE OF ILL-FAME

WOMAN SENT TO GAOL GIRLS UNDER 16 TAKEN TO PREMISES (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 7. “ Whatever may be said in favour of licensed brothels, there is no place in this cjty for a business of the kind carried on by defendant,” said Mr Luxford, S.M., in the Police 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. Defendant pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate said the evidence of the police was not challenged by the defendant. She merely said she did not 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 tef see that the premises are not used fqr an improper or unlawful purpose,” said Mr Luxford. “ That duty is not discharged by adapting 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 of 10.30 p.m. had arrived. It might have been a mitigating circumstance if the defendant had intervened to prevent girls -who were obviously under 16 being taken to the premises, but she did not. One cruel result of this omission was apparent from the evidence given at the hearing by some of these children. Anyone who attempted to carry on such a business would now know not to expect any mercy. At the request of the defending counsel (Mr Sullivan) the magistrate fixed security for appeal at seven guineas, and defendant was released on bond of £SO pending the appeal.