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Manawatu Herald, Volume i, Issue 51, 21 February 1879, Page 2

It really is time some enquiry was mado by Government into the condition, status, and management of the Otaki Working Men's Club. It is only a few months siuce Mr William Langfley, steward of that insti* tution, was fined £oO for sly grog selling under covei- of his office iv that Club ; and on Wednesday last several hours were again occupied by tho Court, chiefly directed to an enquiry whether the Otaki Working Men's Club is still in existenoe. Upon thi.s point the evidence was rather hazj p , but eventually the Secretary stated clearly that the Club does Still exist. Tho police, who prosecuted, brought evidenca to prove the Club had suspended Larigley some time ago; but when the Secretary was placed in the box, it was simply impossible to tell what had been done, and what had not, as no minutes whatever were kept of suy business transacted at committee meetings As a matter of fact, there was in cousequence no means of knowing whether Mr Langley had been either suspended or reinstated, and tho caso broke dowa. In viewing the affair from a public stand* point, it strikes us that it i* in a most unsatisfactory position. Anyone can join this Working Men's Club by paying half-a-crown, and a monthly subscription of one shilling. One witness state 1 iv Court pints of bzev wuro threa-pence cheaper at the Clnb than at the licensed hotel ; and tliera are doubtless many men who would save their shilling in one night's drinking. Beside 3 this, any member can introduce a friend, and no limit i* placed npou the number of drinks to be taken, always provided, of course, the member hands the money to the steward. Now, we appeal to the district., is this a sound state of things? is it right that a Club which keepa no minutes, which can be entered so easily, and which is fenced arouud with so few restrictions, should bo allowed full swing iv Otaki ? It is. to all intents and purposes, as surely a public-house for its members and their friends as the Telegraph Hotel. Between the Working Men's Club at Wellington and that at Otaki, there are most pronounced distinctions; and we feel certain sooner or later a thorough enquiry will have to be made into the latter. This question of Working Men's Clubs, and their privileges, demands legislation, especially with a view to Government supervision. If this be not done, the evil will speedily grow to a gigantic size. Trincipih ohsta. With the meeting together of a number of horny-handed sons of toil after a day's work to read the papers, have some recreation, and a glass of wine or spirits at parting, there cannot per se, be any objection, provided sufficient subscription is demanded to ensure bonajlde members. But when conviviality is simply made the cloke for carrying on a considerable liquor trade without a license, it is time for Government to step in and close it. Wo question very much whother the Club is iU facto still in existence. Ou Wednesday, no single document nor signature was produced to prove the Olub's existence ; and the fact that no minutes were kept would, under some circumstances, bq taken to prove its non-existence. If the Club rents certain buildings from Mr Langloy, we think it very probable the officers would be personally responsible for sly.grog selling, if it were proved ; that is, supposing for argument, the Club actually does exist. Looking at the way in which the case " turned out," and the statements made as to the condition ot the Club's books, &c, we were rather surprised that Mr Ward did not admiuister some very wholesome advice to the officials No doubt there are a number of very respectable men iv the Club., but that does nut remove the fact- that its affairs have been I sadly bungled and mismanaged.