TOO MANY VISITORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 80, 25 June 1927, Page 9

TOO MANY VISITORS

A POPULAR HOUSE PROPRIETRESS IN COURT TALE OF MISFORTUNE A LADY’S banking account was discussed at length in the PoJice Court this morning, the reason being that it had a bearing on the charge which caused her appearance in the dock. Margaret Hood was the lady, and she pleaded guilty to a charge of keeping a disorderly house at 90 Wellesley Street. Eileen Marmont pleaded guilty to a charge of assisting in its managem en t. Sub-Inspector Lewin said that Hood was a widow with two children. The house in Wellesley Street had been under observation for some time, and on June 10 there were 15 male callers. A large quantity of liquor was found when the house was searched. Although she only received a widow’s pension of £4 odd a month, she had banked over £.400 since January. Marmont had been ordered to leave the city when she appeared before the court last August. However, she only remained away seven months, and returned to resume her old calling. Mr. It. A. Singer, who appeared for accused, said that she and her husband, both people of good birth, came to New Zealand from England with the idea of bettering themselves. Great misfortune had come their way, and the the capital they brought with them was dissipated. The family had been constantly sick, and Mrs. Hood herself had undergone three operation. She was prepared to leave New Zealand if she was given an opportunity of doing The bank balance could be easily explained. She had £IOO when her husband died in February, and since his death she had received practically £ 300 from two funds.

Marmont, who had previous convictions, was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. Hood was remanded in custody to appear for sentence on Monday.