ALLEGED DRUGGING

Hokitika Guardian, 8 June 1926, Page 4

ALLEGED DRUGGING

MORE COMMENT. CHRISTCHURCH, Juno 7. Among the pharmacists in Christchurch, the opinion was expressed today that tiie prevalence of drugging alleged by Colonel C. Knott, of the Salvation Army, was very much overstated.

However, contrary opinions are held by some prominent social workers. ‘’l have scon receipted bills for £2O, £l6 and £l2 each for stocks of narcotics, bought from one source at different times.. This is in Christchurch and in a form suitable for immediate injection.” So said Mrs H. F. Herbert, a prominent social worker in Christchurch. “The Drug Act has not been amended for 50 years. The person alluded to as having bought large supplies was a nurse who took her supplies out into the country.”

“I don’t .come into contact with many drug addicts in my work. The remarkable thing, so far as I am concerned, is the aspirin consumed and the drinking; but I don’t know what Colonel Knott had in his mind. I could not bear him out,” said Miss -E. ,T. M. Cnrdalc, Secretary of the fo-e-ivy for the Protection of Women and Children.

“It’s all bosh, so far .as 1, knew and r think that other pharmacists will kgur me out in this,” said the manager of a large Pharmacy. Another chemist said: “I was surprised to hear Colonel Knott’s statement. I think it is overstated, though, of course, social workers would come into contact with addicts where chemists would not.”

Another pharmacist said that the allegations were far from the truth. Drug taking was not increasing, and it was living watched very closely by pharmacists and the medical • profession.

Dr T. L. Crooke, Police Surgeon, sad that, although he did not know, he did nob think that Colonel Knott had overstated the position. He met, both in his general practice and as police medical officer, many cases, chiefly among middle aged people—people over 30 years of age. As lo the sources of supply, he could not make any statement.”

AUCKLAND, June 7. The statements regarding the prevalence of the use of drugs by young-peo-ple. in Auckland were referred to the local headquarters of the Salvation Army, whose officers wore responsible for the serious allegations made today.

Lieut-Colonel ,1. J. Tomer said that h© had road the reports as published in the papers, hut lie did not wish to make any comment.

It was represented to Col. Tomer that some of the statements wore of a very serious nature, and cast grave reflections on the youth of the city. A specific statement had been made with regard to one girl, who was said to have been drugged by eating chocolates with drugs. It was added that this girl’s word had been tested by an i tlieer going to a chemist and buying chocolates, of which a certain number were found to contain a drug. “I know nothing of that,” said Colonel Tomer. “I think there has been a mistake somewhere, hut I am writing to the National Headquarters in AVellington regarding the matter.” “But surely such a case as Gatquoted in the south would have to be referred to the police for investigation?” persisted the reporter. ' Colonel Tomer declined t > ..lber.SS this aspect, also stating that, the matter would probably ho cleared up from Wellington.

POLICE REPORT. DUNEDIN, June 7. The Superintendent of Police states he has received no intimation of the existence of a drug distribution organisation among the young people. Chief Detective Lewis said the same, adding: “ Somebody has been telling a tale and he might he confusing us with Buenos .A vros.”