“MOST IMMORAL CAPITAL"

Taihape Daily Times, 14 May 1919, Page 7

“MOST IMMORAL CAPITAL"

NIGHT LIFE IN BERLIN

A journalist has often to delve into unexpected places and see the seamy side of life (says the special correspondent of the “Daily Express” in Berlin). :

Thus have I frequently made acquaintance with night life in great cities. Immorality and night life are inseparable companions .but in Berlin they arc twin sisters. Berlin was proud of its title “The most immoral capital of Europe, l ” before the war, and it earned if It, can still claim it. Of course, it is perfectly mad, this dancing, drinking, gambling, doping craze.

There is a strike, but as I entered the hotel I was handed an envelope, containing a ticket for the “Workers’ Ball,” to begin at seven o’clock. The attractions arc two American bars (I am quoting the ticket) and prizes for the most beautiful and for the most original costumes. I shall not attend the ball, for I know just whal it will be —a lot of wild bunny-hugging, foxtrotting couples and much drinking.

There are more than 100 dancing places going full blast in Berlin. They range from the magnificent and quite orderly Palais de Danse” to low places, where the ball terminates in a free fight. Nominally dancing halls should close at 11.30. but the rule is observed iu the breach Only the restaurants close —most of them —at 11.30, and most theatres are over at ten, but the wild life goes on all night long.