ROWDYISM IN PUBLIC.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 17, 20 September 1928, Page 5

ROWDYISM IN PUBLIC.

It cannot be said that a public nail is fit place in which to indulge in those [ actions which may be summed up in the word "hooliganism.'' Too frequently the nore cultured members of am average audience have to endure from a certain | section of the people in the hall,behaviouv that makes enjoyment of the performance absolutely impossible. The behaviour of which complaint has been made, consists chiefly in a prolonged overture of whistling, followed by several concerted numbers of which the i main theme is taken by the feet. A rhapsody of cat-calls and hisses usually concludes tiie performance. It may be urged on behalf of the persons responsible for the noises in question that they consider themselves to be gifted with peculiar powers of entertainment, or possibly they are of the opinion that a little variety would add spice to the more legitimate entertainment proceeding on the stage. Again, of course, they probably do not know that to stamp and whistle to excess in public is the sign of an unbalanced mmd —such behaviour may Avell be taken as complete evidence of mental deficiency. In fairness to the people of this district generally, it must be stated that as a rule, no complaints can be lodged against their usual standard of public behaviour, but there appears to be a certain section that delights in drawing attention to its many failings. People who have no manners may be divided into two classes: those who realise their handicap and those who have not sufficient brains to do so. Obviously the noises in our public entertainments aTe caused by specimens of the latter class, so that the forbearance of the saner members of the public is asked on their behalf. The '' rowdy element was particularly noticeable at a recent popular concert, when many of the items were almost drowned by the noise from the audience. The building appeared to shake, the walls to quiver, and though doubtless the perpetrators of the disturbances enjoyed themselves —as children with a stick and a kerosene, tin —the audience found it impossible to concentrate on the good fare provided by the company. For many years past, Hutt people have prided themselves upon their high standard of public conduct, and have cas^t a somewhat contemptuous eye on a certain neighbouring town —which shall be nameless —regarding it as the domicile of a "rough" element. Now, it appears, the Hutt itself is invaded by the very element upon which residents in these parts have been accustomed to look with disfavour. It is probably opportune to say to this rowdy element: "If you can't be like us, be as like us as you can." JSTo immediate remedy for the evil suggests itself, since stamping and shouting in a public hall cannot properly come within the category of indictable offences but for the rising generation some hope exists. Parents and school teachers can do a great amount of good in this direction by pointing out the essentials of good manners, while the more solid section of the community can set a good example to those less favoured ones who have not been taught. May the pious hope be expressed that, by taking thought and studying the behaviour of those [whose upbringing has been attended to, our "rough diamonds" may in time, acquire at least some polish.