DRINKING AT DANCES

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1931, Page 2

DRINKING AT DANCES

A COMPLAINT

WOMEN’S ORGANISATION URGES

ACTION

DUNEDIN, January 16

As a result of a remit from tbe Haweia branch of the Women's Rivision of the Farmers’ Union, the Dominion executive of the division spent portion of its time this morning m considering the question of drink at dances. The Hawera remit read; “That tins branch of the division views with concern drinking at dances, and hopes that drastic measures will bo taken by all women’s organisations to prevent it.”

jn presenting a statement on behalf of the branch, Mrs Carter stated that the question luut caused anxiety to all who conducted dances and socials, and also to parents and those who wished public socials to be kept ns tree from roughness as possible. They wished their young folk tb be able to attend titihees fi : eely without ally fear of their evening’s pleasure being spoiled by a number of young men who Went to dances with liquor In their possession. There had always been reticence on the part of those who knew as lo where the liquor was obtained and by whom it was introduced. The claret cup usually sold at balls was not of sufficient strength to cause annoyance, and should even this he known to contain too much intoxicant the police had power to inspect the hall and drinks sold.

Seventy-six Bottles

Drink was often brought to balls hv outside visitors, and it had been known to he sold from cars. At one hall fiftyeight bottles, and at another seventysix bottles, were collected after a ball, both places being within a few miles of eacll other. At one place drinking went on in the nearby school grounds, and bottles were thrown in through the school and hall windows. The police had no power unless liquor was found lo have been bought after closing hours or unless the offender was caught selling it or giving it to young girls.

Parents Blamed

Without doubt blame must he laid down to parents. In these days there was lack of parental control in the case of both boys and girls, othei wise hoys wild- had been brought up to respect womenfolk would think twice before offering liquor to girls. At some balls men wiio left the place bad to pay agaiii. This acted fts a deterielit. However, all balls were not provided with dressing rooms, so that ibis rule could not ho applied bard and fast. At some places were the committee was composed of parents anybody found with drink was put outside. How was it that so much drink was obtained after the closing hour? One often heard the expression: ‘‘Oh, it is easy enough to get drink.” If that was so, then it was known to the police that many hotels were trading after hours, and the police were not doing the duty for which* they were paid. The remit was carried unanimously.