STRONG PROTEST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20002, 29 July 1939, Page 16

STRONG PROTEST

ALLEGED DRUNKEN ORGY “HARD-UP" BALL SCENES TEMPERANCE .1301)1 ES AUCKLA ND .OBJ EOT 1«) XS (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. Reports of happenings at a "Hardup Bali” held in the Town Hall last week, were considered at a recent •meeting of the combined temperance societies ot Auckland, and it was decided to make a vigorous protest ar.d to communica.e witn various organisations and persons concerned. The following resolution was adopted: “This meeting of members of the New Zeaiand Alliance and temperance societies of Auckland s.rongly protests against the alleged disgraceful drunken orgy which took place in the Auckland Town Hall on the occasion of the ‘Hard-up Ball.' It is reported that, contrary to law and to the conditions governing the letting of the hall, liquor bars were installed and large quantities of liquor were sold; also that numbers of. those present became absolutely drunk, 'that disgusting scenes took place, and that the hall was left in a filthy condition. It therefore urges that those responsible be prosecuted, •and that instructions be .given that the use of the hall be refused for any similar gathering in future. ’ Council Action Urged In a covering letter conveying this resolution to the town clerk, the secretary of the New Zealand Alliance, Mr. L. E. Falkner, asks that the letter and resolution be considered by the City Council. He states that lvis council considers that the City Council should discountenance such methods of raising funds for the centennial memorial by refusing to accept any sums so raised, and that instructions be issued making it impossible for •the hall to be used for any such function in future.

A perusal of the conditions governing the letting of the hall has revealed that no provision has been made -in. the printed conditions regarding the use of intoxicating liquor, he adds. “It is therefore urged that, in future, intoxicating liquor be strictly prohibited from the Town Hall and its precincts.” The alliance is taking up the subject of the conduct of the ball, not only with the City Council, but also with the police, the Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, members of the Cabinet, representatives of the churches and the Commercial Travellers Association, who organised the gathering in aid of the Mayor’s centennial fund.