DRINKING AMONG WOMEN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 306, 22 June 1912, Page 5

DRINKING AMONG WOMEN

HOTEL FACILITIES CONDEMNED. By Telegraph—Press Association. ' : ' " Auckland, Friday. The fact that facilities were provided in certain hotels to encourage women to sit and drink was',brought before some of the local members of Parliament by a deputation which waited upon them to urge'certain amendments to the licensing laws to render the Act effective. Mrs. A. H. Mason, a member of the deputation, spoke strongly against facilities being provided for women to sit and drink in hotels. j3he related an instance that came under her own observation. A sick ; child was in a home that she visited in the suburbs one evening. The doctor had ordered spirits for the child, A young girl was'sent for these spirits to a hotel, and Mrs". Mason accompanied her.' Not liking the idea of the girl going into a hotel, Mrs. Mason went into the hd'tfse' heWelf, Smd was astounded when she" was shown into a large room with numerous tables. All the tables were occupied by women, who Were; drinking. Since then she had been told' that the dining-room of the hotel Was fitted up comfortably in the evenings for the purpose of encouraging women to drink there. Old and young women were sitting in the hotel when she paid the visit. Mr. Glover, M;P. : , said he regretted exceedingly to hear the remarks made by Mrs. Mason. He thought the name of the publican "and the hotel should be given. The matter was one that called for investigation. Mrs. Mason gave the name of the pub- . lican and the hotel. I Mr. Glover: An accusation has been | "made, and the publican must have a chance to defend himself. I will inquire i:into the matter. | Mr. Harris, M.P., said he had not the •slightest idea that such a state of things existed as described by Mrs. Mason. He expressed the opinion that information should be given to the police. •■ Mr. H. N. Bagnall: The matter was reported to the police, and also to the .Licensing Committee. Mr. Harris: It is surprising that nothing has been done. Mr. F. W. Greenwood: There are also other hotels equally bad. Mr. Dickson, M.P.: Such a condition of affairs as described by Mrs.. Mason should not be tolerated.