LONDON'S PLAGUE SPOTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 6 May 1925, Page 10

LONDON'S PLAGUE SPOTS

VICE IN THE SUBURBS

GROWTH OF NIGHT CLUBS

NEW HOUSES AND VICTIMS

New dangers are threatening good ci- „ (tizensliip and healthy pleasures in Lon'don’s suburbs. All that ; s worst in the .F West End is trying to transplant itself and gain a new lease of its vicious life. It- became known recently that in order to defeat these new manoeuvres of old enemies, Scotland Yard is reorganising its vigilance work on different lines. Reports of a sensational character are being investigated, and already, according to an article in the Sunday News, enough evidence has been obtained to show that law-abiding suburbs are faced with perils known futherto mainly in Limehouse and the night resorts of the West End. New haunts of vice are springing up m the outlying districts of London to cater for the society degenerates and well-to-do pleaaure-seekers who have had. to desert- the West End night, dubs <on which close watch is being kept by Scotland Yard. Hilarious week-end parties at riverside resorts, dope orgies in the suburbs, and other forms of hectic “enjoyment” are now being provided to appeal to the jaded senses of the sensation seekers of Mayfair. Plaugue spots of London are no longer centred in the West End. All the most notorious night clubs expect to bo put out of business when the Homo Secretary introduces his promised legislation, and the proprietors are transferring their activities elsewhere.

“DOPE” TRAFFIC AT RICHMOND

Acting on recent instructions from the Home Secretary, Scotland Yard are keeping such close observation of all suspected premises in the West. End that, many of the persons under surveillance have moved to districts which are not often visited by detectives from headquarters. Several “dope’ traffickers are believed to have established their bead quarter's in and near Richmond, and drug addicts motor from the West End to obtain their supplies. So far, suburban dens have secured only a few patrons from the West End, but it has been discovered that efforts are being mad© to secure the patronage of local residents tor suburban night club ventures.

Some of these night clubs are respectably conducted, but others are adopting all the worse features of the bogus West End clubs. A sensation has '“-uised in Croydon by the public disclosure that there are three night clubs in the borough. Tile matter was recently brought before the justices, and the police have taken it up. A private investigator who visited the three clubs has reported that two were being properly conducted, but that in the third there was drinking after hours, and many undesirable characters. He alleges that a number of men prominent in the public life of Croydon were present. Ever since Scotland Yard “cleaned up” Limehouse, efforts have been made by the old habitues to discover an equally exotic substitute, but without success.

AN ORIENTAL RESTAURANT Not long ago, however, a well-known cabaret star discovered an Oriental restaurant in a quiet London square, where supper is served in private rooms, and vistors are supplied with sake —the national beverage of Japanserved hot in tiny cups. It is now often visited by those who have been let into the secret of its whereabouts. There is nothing about the exterior to differentiate it from any of the other big, gloomy houses in the square. Visitors tel&phone beforehand and reserve a room, and are admitted by an Oriental in European dress. Outside each private room is a small ante-room, where visitors remove their .shoes. The rooms are decorated in Oriental fashion, and ■ are fitted with sliding doors. In the centre of each room is a- .table, raised only a few inches from the floor, and the men and women sit round it on cushions. Discreet Japanese waiters bring vast quantities of Oriental food —deep-sea soup, seaweed, and all manner of curious dishes. A spirit lamp is provided, and viators are left to cook their own meal. _ Sake is served in small pots, and the hot colourless liquid, winch produces a strange effect of drowsiness, is drunk from delicate little china cups. A gramophone, with a supply of Japanese records, helps to while the hours away.