METHYLATED SPIRIT DRINKING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1443, 18 May 1912, Page 5

METHYLATED SPIRIT DRINKING.

PREVALENT IN AUCKLAND. (Bj Telegraph—Frees Association.) Auckland, May 17. Tho stir which has been raised in Christchurch this week over the increased amount of drunkenness arising from tho consumption of methylated spirit le(I_ a reporter to make some inquiries locally, to ascertain if possible the- eilcnt to which this evil exists in Auckland,

''We have conclusive evidence that methylated spirit is drunk by a certain class of men and women in Auckland," said a polico officer, in reply to a question. "Occasionally they get a new recruit, but tho majority are well known to us as persons who have practically ruined theinsolveg with drink already. They start on ordinary liquor, but by reason of prohibition orders and other difficulties in their way they take to methylated spirits, which is ohc-ap, strong, and easily procured from chemists ou and colour merchants, and general stores —much more easily in fact than other liquor. It seems to be a favourite' drink with these people on Sundays and at other times when hotels are closed. We find that at least ninety per cont. of Sunday drunkards in Auckland aro methylated spirit cases. It is an easy matter to tell sucli people from other drunkards by tho strong smell which hangs about them, and I feel quite safo in saying that some liavo been found so charged with tho spirit that wo hare been afraid to bring them near a light. Practically all of them shako and tremble as an ordinary drunkard never does. "We had a little experience of habitual mothylatcd spirit drinking about twelve years ago," concluded the officer, ' and since then it has gradually becomo more common. Still, Ido not think that there need be any great alarm about it, for people who take methylated spirits are so far gono that they will take anything. In earlier days I have known such persons to go the length of drinking bay rum, scent, kitchen essences, and Worcester sauce in order to gratify thc-ir craving t'or stimulant. -In view of this the habit is not- likely to go bevond the most degraded class of the population."