DRINK PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 290, 7 December 1937, Page 13

DRINK PROBLEM.

MAORIS , LEISURE HOURS. BISHOP MUCH CONCKRXED. (B3 - Telegraph—Press Association.) WAXGAXUI, Monday. The effect of the 40-hour week on the Maori people, by reason of increased facilities for the consumption of liquor, was commented upon by the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa, speaking at a social function held by the Wanganui Rotary Club to-night. "What will be the end?" asked Bishop Bennett. "The Labour Government has given the people five days' labour, and on Saturdays, when tho hotels are open, the Maori people, having nothing to do, w.iste both their time nnd their money in the bars. With wages paid on Friday night, the men gravitate to these places, nnd dire results are becoming apparent.

"Already in the north of Xew Zealand the drink problem is worse than it has been for 20 years," nai4 the speaker. In a recent visit to this part of the country, mothers and wives had appealed to him to do all in his power to combat the evil, but what could he do? In the Waikato, where in previous years no li.pinr had found a place at tungie and native gatherings, now barrels were featured at. every one.

"Tho ultimate effect on the rising generation of Maori people ia one that will be apparent to all," said the. Bishop. He added that what had become a common habit up und down the Dominon must be eradicated at all costs.