THE ORANGE HALL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 26, 12 November 1935, Page 3

THE ORANGE HALL

CONDUCT OF DANCE PATRONS.

“SUPERVISION SOMETIMES LAX.”

AN IMPROVEMENT SINCE AUGUST POLICE REPORT TO COUNCIL. A report on the conduct dance patrons at the Orange Hall was submitted to the Ashburton Borough Council last evening by Superintendent D. J. Cummings, of Christchurch, who stated that as a result of the Council’s request a review of the position had been made hy the police. “Inquiries covering a lengthy period have been made about the conduct of dance patrons at the hall,” said the Siiperintendent. “On occasions the supervision at the hall has been lax and young men have been allowed to Loitre outside, drinking in groups. Although conveniences are provided, nuisances are committed. The dances appear to have been well conducted with one exception, namely on August 9, when the hall was overcrowded. Youths were drunk and one was arrested for drunkenness. There was no drunkenness in the dance-room, but too much horse-play was permitted.

“In some instances coarse, vulgar Language lias been used by the rough element attending the dances,” the report went on. “In a town of such a size as Ashburton, all conveniences should he provided within the building and then there would he no excuse for men to leave the hall during the progress of a dance. If they did so they could be charged for readmittance, Since August 9 there has been a great improvement in the conduct at the hall.

“The police give it as much attention as possible but, with a limited staff, it is impossible to station a constable in the neighbourhood throughout a dance. No matter how well a dance hall is conducted, the hoodlum element will give trouble occasionally. I have given instructions that special attention bo given to the rough element loitering about the hall on dance nights and the Council may rest assured that the police will not tolerate hooliganism at any dance hall.” concluded the Superintendent. “I think it is quite satisfactory as tar as it goes,” said the Deputy-Mayor. In view "of the proposed alterations’ to the Orange Hall, the speaker considered that the position would be rectified. It was stated that alterations would be effected early in the New Year. It was decided to send a copy of the letter to the committee controlling the Orange Hall,