DRINKING AT DANCES.

Shannon News, 18 September 1925, Page 1

DRINKING AT DANCES.

MEN AND WOMEN INTOXICATED. REVELATIONS AT STRATFORD. ing took place in connection with, some dances in the -Stratford district was. made by the police at an inquest in connection with the death of" a motorist while returning from the Stratford Golf Club's ball last week. The police made special reference to the good character of deceased, his name not being connected with the allegations. Constable H. Shields, in the course of his evidence, said he was present at the Town Hall during the progress of the Golf Club ball on Thursday. The constable said he took particular notice of what was happening that evening, and the result of his observations was that he was convinced there was far too much drinking going on and far too much liquor there, He noticed quite a few men the worse for liquor—in fact, he had to send two men home.

The drinking, it ivas alleged, was not confined wholly to tire ,nicn since the constable noticed several women similarly affected, and even young men, in his opinion under 21 years °f age, were guilty. Particular notice was taken in order to ascertain from where the liquor was goming, and the constable came to the conclusion that it was in the hall and was not being obtained from outside. Several youths wore seen drinking gin outside the hall, and all' were more or less under the influence. The constable said it would take them all their time to be 21 years of age. He.also found that some liquor was stored under the stage of the hall, and this had been broached, evidently by some larrikin element. In all probability the gin was part of the spoils.

i The constable said that there were quite a number of visitors from Hawera, Eltham, New Plymouth and other neighbouring towns, and the drinking was principally confined to the' visitors. He did not see any of the local men or women under the influence of liquor or otherwise misbehaving themselves. Sergeant Reid said that there was no doubt that there had been a good deal of drink and drunkenness among both the men and women, and this disclosed a sad state of affairs. Not only did such conditions obtain at Stratford, but at every dance held outside of Stratford. Drink had been taken to dances by young men and supplied to young women. There was no by-law to prevent the taking or sending of drink to such functions, but the sergeant was convinced that the time had arrived when the local authorities should take action and pass a by-law, or legislation should be passed, to prevent people taking drink to these affairs. The sergeant said that the fact of people organising such functions allowing drink to be brought to them showed a bad state of affairs.

The acting-eoronor (Mr. C. D. Sole, J.P.), reminded the jury of the recent communications with regard to appointing another constable to Stratford, and pointed out that a constable for night duty was necessary, as there was no one on duty after 1 a.m. Sergeant Eeid was anxious that representations should be made to the proper authorities through the member for the district in this connection. Mr. C. Jackson (foreman of the jury) said he "quite agreed with the sergeant's remarks concerning country dances, and there was no doubt that the tone of such socials needed improving. Sergeant Reid mentioned that if another constable were appointed at Stratford it might help the police to supervise country dances. All agreed that it was 'essential there should be an officer on duty all night.