TARANAKI COMPLAINT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1930, Page 5

TARANAKI COMPLAINT

DRINKING AT COUNTRY DANCES.

NEAV PLYMOUTH, July 14

Country dances and the contention that Taranaki is being ruined through the prevalence of drinking and its effects upon young people attending them were discussed by memibers of the Eltham County Council on Saturday. Tlie members passed a resolution to the effect that although the council does not license country dance halls, it entirely approves of the New Zealand Alliance attitude in the matter of cancelling the licenses of halls where drinking takes place. “Drinking is reaching a bad pitch and is ruining many dances,” said Mr iR,. J. Knicky. ‘Wears ago, if a man' came to a dance under the influence of liquor, lie was requested to leave.” Liquor was consumed outside the buiidings, .said Mr E. J. Gifford, despite the resolutions of dance hall committees.

“Drink was purchased by one man to the extent of several dozen bottles,” said Mr AV. E. Carter,,' “and at one hall was retailed ,to others.” In another case school children had found ninety-eight empty bottles the moiling after a country dance. “I also can substantiate 'that they find plenty of empty bottles around the, halls," said Mr Gifford. "11l one instance the bottles had not been emptied properly, and some children who sampled the contents, (became ‘stunned.’ M

“It is very,serious, for the young people .of the country, 1 * said Mr Carter. “They are invited to .drink,, with serious consequences."

The chairman considered the impossibility devolved upon those conducting the functions- They . should take steps to keep away those under the influence of liquor.

“The police have had to be called on occasions,” said Mr Gifford. He added that it was very difficult to handle the problem, as drinking took place out on the roads.