A WORKING MAN'S CLUB

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 127, 7 September 1910, Page 5

A WORKING MAN'S CLUB

ALLEGED DRINKING AND GAMBLING. A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY. J By Telegraph. —Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. A commission of enquiry into the allegations made regarding the conduct and ', management of the - Sydenham: Working Men's Club opened to-day, when evidence was given in support of thft charges. One witness averred that he saw more drunkenness in the Cliib in one week than he had seen in a licensed bouse in six weeks. The secretary of the Club stated that eighteen or nineteen members had been suspended during the past two years for drunkenness.

Police Inspector Gillies stated that lie had paid several surprise visits to the Club, mostly after closing hours. On the last visit the baif was closed. A few members were about. He had had the locker system under review for several years, and considered it a mistake, as it •was an evasion of the law. The locker system was the only tiling in connection with the club he had any complaint about. Another witness alleged that it was the practice to draw sweeps on the principal race meetings of the year, and Mr. Flesher (counsel for petitioners) produced some of the tickets used. Witness stated that some of the men whose names were on the tickets had beep members of the committee qf the Club, and most of them were members. ' The Club Commissioner stated that h'B had received a telegram from the Minister extending the scope of the enquiry Ito cover allegations that (1>) gambling ihad been allowed in the Club; (2) bad language had been used in the Club;' and (2) the management of the Club generally had been unsatisfactory. XJnjder these circumstances the petitioners would be at liberty to call evidence ott these points. ■•'_• The enquiry was adjourned till W» morrow. -..