SERGEANT'S WEALTH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 568, 22 January 1929, Page 9

SERGEANT'S WEALTH

LAME EXPLANATION MONEY FROM NIGHT-CLUBS (United P.A. —By Telegraph — Copyright) j (Australian end N.Z. Fress Association) \ Reed. 11.13 a.m. LONDON, Monday, j Mr. Justice Avory has refused the j application of Mrs. Meyrick. “The Night Club Queen.” to be tried separately from ex-Station-sergeant Goddard and Ribuffi, another night club manager. The trial of all three has begun. All pleaded not guilty. Counsel for the prosecution, in a long review of the case, said that ; Sergeant Goddard had been 26 years in the Force and his pay was £6 a week. When requested to account for the possession of money, a freehold house. ! and a saloon motor-car. he replied that he had saved a few hundred pounds, as well as having had reliable information about racehorses and foreign exchanges. The police traced money in various banks deposited in Goddard's name, as well as large denomination banknotes, and two safe deposits, the whole amounting to £17,964. Many of the notes were traced as having been paid to Goddard by people in the position of Mrs. Meyrick and Ribuffi, and in addition, by the keeper of a disorderly house in Soho, who had since disappeared from the country. “SINKS OF INIQUITY” The prosecution, referring to Airs. ! Meyrick, said that an anonymous letter ! addressed to Scotland Yard, asked why j “the notorious Mrs. Meyrick is permitted to run three night clubs with- | out police interference. These places are disgusting sinks of iniquity where young men are filled with drink, and robbed and petted by street women.” Ex-Sergeant Goddards report on these clubs set out that approximately 70 women resorted to one establishment nightly. Many were known to be undesirables, but he was satisfied that the place was not being used habitually as a place of ill-fame. "The women attach themselves to males who buy them chocolates, the wholesale price of which is two or three shillings, but which are retailed by the club at 25 to 30 shillings.” Sergeant Goddard’s report concluded: “These are insidious, lying and unfounded allegations against the police.” The hearing was then adjourned.

Mrs. Meyrick, ex-Sergeant Goddard, and Ribuffi, were committed for trial on charges in connection with London night clubs on December 21 last. Heavy bail was demanded.