SURF CLUB IN REPLY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22304, 19 January 1938, Page 8

SURF CLUB IN REPLY

Conduct Of Dances At North Beach “STRONG EXCEPTION TAKEN” Mr D V. Wilson, president of the North Beach Surf Club, replied last evening to the remarks made at meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council on Monday evening about the conduct of dances by he club Mr Wilson claimed that the club could be held responsible only tor the conduct of the dances inside the hall, and that the Mayor Mr E. L Smith) and the inspector (Mr Blewitt) had expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with eyerythmg the r jrtm r4e Pr m Teiin g ? consisting <5 myself Se club captain, the instructor and the secretary, and the matter was considered very thoroughly. sa d Mr Wilson. "The committee took very strong exception to the statement by Mr E. W. Stevens that the North Beach Surf Club came o its dances in a shocking way. All the evidence goes to P™ ve J dat conduct of the dances 18 satisfactory inside the hall. The May of New Brighton and the Borough Inspector were fair-minoed enougn that the club condones drinking is utterly is an unwarranted reflection on the members of the club a^d decent people who attend the dances. The club realises only too well tne difficulties that exist because the hall is not equipped with conveniences. For this reason there can be no restriction on persons entering or leaving the hall, which admittedly is an undesirable state m ofTsirs •‘Before the dances began last November the club took the precaution to communicate by letter with the local constable and with the council, requesting them to take all steps necessary to preserve order in the vicinity of the hall, which is beyond the jurisdiction of the club. Behaviour Outside Hall “The club is perfectly aware of the behaviour that goes on outside the hall, but so long as those concerned conduct themselves properly inside the hall, I fail to see what right we have to interfere. If people cannot behave themselves properly in a public thoroughfare, then I do not consider that that is a responsibility of the club. “The club will not tolerate liquor inside the hall, and, further, to my knowledge, no liquor has been allowed inside the club’s own pavilion during the last 10 years. Before any finality was reached about holding dances this season, a special meeting of the executive was held, as it was realised only too well that there was room for improvement in the behaviour of certain people outside the. hall, but the absolute necessity for funds left no alternative but to continue the series of dances. “Everything possible will be done to prevent a repetition of this trouble, and if the club is not successful the dances will cease, as those responsible for the conduct of the club will not allow its reputation to be damaged in such a way. “Might I suggest,” concluded Mr Wilson, “if certain residents find it necessary to associate the club with any further complaints that the club be notified as, after all, it is surelv entitled to know it has offended.”