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69
The Vestry desire it to be understood that they are
prepared to take legal proceedings against keepers of
disorderly houses oil complaint being made to them, and on
two ratepayers undertaking to produce material evidence
sufficient to justify a prosecution.
An invitation having been received from the Vestry of
the Parish of St. Anne, Westminster, to join in a suggested
Conference of Delegates from a few Central Parishes on
the subject of Disorderly Houses, the Vestry, without concurring
in the views of the St. Anne's Vestry or pledging
themselves to any definite course of action, appointed five
Delegates to the Conference in question. The Conference
came to the conclusion that in addition to the powers
already possessed by the local authorities, the Police should
have power to take the initiative to suppress disorderly
houses, and that the law should be altered accordingly.
It was also decided to address a petition to the Home
Secretary, asking him to amend the law, making it a
criminal offence for men to live on the prostitution of
women. The Vestry subsequently concurred in the resolutions
arrived at by tin? Conference, and directed a communication
to bo addressed to the Home Secretary in
support thereof.
Complaint having been made to the Vestry of the
nuisance and annoyance arising from a night club known
as the Palace Club, at the corner of Jermyn Street and
Bury Street, the Vestry took proceedings against the
persons responsible for the management of the club.
The four defendants were committed for trial at the
Clerkenwell Sessions, when they pleaded guilty, and tines
were inflicted ranging from £25 to £150, recognisances to
be entered into with sureties for good behaviour for
twelve months, or in default, threi" months' imprisonment
in each case.