SOCIAL EVILS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 173, 24 July 1942, Page 5

SOCIAL EVILS

DANGEROUS LIVES

Conduct Of Young Girls Causes Grave Concern

United Press Association.—Copyright. Special Australian Correspondent.

Rec. 11 a.m. SYDNEY, this day. Many young girls in Australian cities are stated by the police to be leading dangerous lives. The number of girls who have suddenly left home for no apparent reason and who have been reported missing has increased heavily since the war. Evidence that they have been fascinated by the glamour of uniform is the fact that many of them have been found in the company of soldiers, sailors and airmen. Frequently the servicemen are quite blameless and have shown themselves quick to assist the police when they have discovered that the girls were much younger than they had believed. In Sydney a squad of speciallytrained women police has been responsible for the "rescue" of many young girls. Others have been taken before the Children's Court and placed in institutions. The police morality squad has found increasing numbers of girls drinking in hotels.

Young Girls Found Drinking

In Melbourne this week two girls found drinking in a hotel and brought before the magistrate, were stated to be aged 17 and 14. The older girl, who was ordered to remain for six months at a Salvation Army home, said that sailors had paid her hotel board for two nights. The younger girl will be dealt with by the Children's Court. The high incidence of social diseases among young girls has also been causing grave concern. Venereal infection has been found in girls of 15.

Liquor Restrictions

Combined with its drive against immorality, Australia is also determined that restrictions on liquor sales shall not stimulate attempts to manufacture "moonshine." Excise officers have been instructed to keep a close watch to prevent any growth of illicit spirit distillation and beer brewing. Several convictions have been made, the majority originating from private informants, who stand to gain a minimum of £25 if the information leads to a conviction. The making of illicit spirit may bring a fine of up to £500.

Opponents of the liquor restrictions declare that the reduced beer supply has resulted in harmful and heavy drinking of cheap wines, appriately known as "plonk."