DRINKING SCENES

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1930, Page 5

DRINKING SCENES

AMONG LEADING CITIZENS. (.United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—copyright.] WASHINGTON, Feb. 29. For the first tune siiue prohibition bet tune effective, a Congressional Committee has consented to hold hearings on measures seeking the outright repeal, or the modification of the dry laws. The House Judicial Committee will open such hearings on February 12. WASHINGTON, Jan. 31. A sensation was caused to-day when during a recrudescence of the Prohibition dispute in the U.S.A. Senate, Senator Brook hart read a letter asking for an investigation into the alleged drinking of gin cocktails at the CentuVy Chib, New York, as that club includes in its membership most of Amorica’s leading citizens, and also includes the former United States Attorney General, Mr Wickorsbam, who is the head of tile President’s Law Enforcement Commission, cabled January 10th. Mr Wickersham is a Vice-President of the Century Club.

There was an immediate flare up in the Senate. , Senator Brookhart expressed the hope that Air AVickersham would be able to advise how such violations in the Century Cub could be stopped. Senator ladings said that scenes such a 3 those that were alleged in tho letter could be seen in other clubs in other cities. Senator Copeland, speaking for liis own State of New York, declared that there was more drinking than ever before. Senator Tydings, continuing, said that no fewer than 813 persons died from alcoholism in the United Statse in 1929. He stated also that the Government had seized 250,000 illicit stills and 27,000,000 gallons of ferment- mash. Outside, lie said, the people apparently did not drink, for inside they have all they want.