Objection By Alliance

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30804, 16 July 1965, Page 1

Objection By Alliance

(Frum Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 15. It was not 12 months since the Wellington Coroner expressed concern about access of, teen-agers to liquor after Rugby matches, said the general superintendent of the New Zealand Alliance (Mr T. J. Young) tonight.

“In recent days our attention has been drawn by medical authorities to a growing teen-age alcoholism problem. What positive action is the Government taking for the proper w-elfare of our young people in this regard or to allay the concern of many an anxious parent?” said Mr Young.

“The representations of the golf and bowling clubs have been justifiably knocked back (t would surely be wiser not to proceed with any legislation on this issue than to introduce the scheme proposed.

“Whatever reaction would nave taken place to the granting of special charter facilities to golf and bowling clubs, there must surely be a large area of disagreement should the Government move in the direction indicated. “One may reasonably ask that if sports clubs with many minors in their membership are to be granted such facilities, are there not other organisations in our country which could make as good if not a better claim for similar rights?

“Significantly, de Gaulle saw a large problem of teen-age alcoholism growing in France. He corrected the position considerably with policies such as the banning of liquor advertisements in or near sports grounds or stadiums and having liquor outlets within or near sports grounds closed. “Yet in fanatical fervour to be modern, it appears the National Party caucus is prepared to abandon most necessary safeguards and control on liquor. This development will surely make more difficult the task of policing the Sale of Liquor Act and the public will be the sufferers,” Mr Young said.