Crusader supported

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34106, 19 March 1976, Page 1

Crusader supported

The man who has set out to rid Christchurch of massage parlours and sex shops vehemently denies that he is “another Patricia Bartlett”.

He said he had received nearly 100 telephone calls and many personal visits in the last two days. Only one of the callers opposed his views.

“Nor am I religious,” Mr J. de C. Hanafin said yesterday. “But I have four children, and I am deeply concerned about the effects these places could have on young people.’’ Mr Hanafin began his crusade at a meeting of the Christchurch Drainage Board this week.

“Quite a lot of them wanted to start a petition, but as far as I am concerned these are just a waste of time and paper,” Mr Hanafin said. “J am convinced that the average member of the public is concerned about doubtful businesses creeping in. The problem lies in getting people to do something about it.” Mr Hanafin intends to approach the member of Parliament for Christchurch Central (Mr B. G. Barclay). He also gave his views in a television interview on Wednesday evening.

He urged the board to write to local members of Parliament seeking support to halt the establishment of massage parlours, sex shops, and similar businesses in Christchurch.

The motion lapsed, but Mr Hanafin was encouraged by

Mr Hanafin said his aim in raising the issue at the Drain-

the public reaction to his age Board meeting was to comments. stimulate other local organ-

isations and “responsible bodies” into action. He said he did not think that the Christchurch City Council could do much about the problem. It would require

action by the Government. “These places must be stopped before too many spring up and they become accepted,” said Mr Hanafin. “We have never had them here before and there is no need for them now.” If a few found that they could get away with making quick money from illegal activities such as prostitution, many more would jump on the bandwaggon.

“I realise that some massage parlours and sauna baths and so on are completely legitimate,” Mr Hanafin said.

“It is unfortunate that the innocent must sometimes suffer with the guilty.”