METHYLATED SPIRITS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1931, Page 8

METHYLATED SPIRITS

VICE IN KING COUNTRY. DR'NKING AMONG MAORIS. OTOROHANGA, January 30. There lias been a noticeable increase of methylated snirit drinking amongst Maoris in the King Country, and at a sitting of the Maniapoto Maori Council whose control runs over the Northern King Country, roughly from To Awamutu to Taumaruriui, Leid there this week, salutary fines, totalling over ■£4o, were inflicted.on natives convicted of this vice. From inquiries made it appears that methylated spirit is often imported into the district in bulk, and consumed in the wlmres away from observation. The serious nature of the vice is fullv realised hv the Maori

Health Department and the local police, and the Afaori council is taking a firm stand in an endeavour to check the evil.

Tt is not generally known that it is an offence under the Maniapoto Maori Council’s by-laws for any European to supply a native with methylated spirit, except under an order signed by a member of the council, and that fines running from £5 to £ls may be inflicted for any such breach. Unfortunately, with the growth of motor traffic, ample facilities exist for natives to visit outside towns and purchase this spirit, with the deplorable results referred to. It is felt by many that an amendment of the law of the land is needed, making it an offence anywhere to supply a native with methylated spirit, and, indeed, a general tightening up of the regulations under which the spirit is sold would be of general advantage.