By-law to prohibit glue-sniffing proposed

Press, 22 April 1986, Page 1

By-law to prohibit glue-sniffing proposed

A by-law to prohibit solvent-sniffing in public places will be considered by the Christchurch City Council

The council’s community services and health committee will investigate ways of reducing solvent abuse and a prohibitive by-law will be considered. Cr Morgan Fahey said at the council’s meeting last evening that solvent abuse was the most serious health threat in New Zealand and “totally out of control” in Christchurch. “No way should we softpedal on this any more. It is abhorrent to see kids destroying themselves,” he said. The council should discuss ways of making sol-

vent-sniffing a crime and seek the advice of the police, he said. Cr Ron Wright said that young people who had approached him suggested a by-law should be passed to prohibit glue-sniff-ing. Better lighting in Cathedral Square and under bridges along the Avon River was also necessary, he said. Cr Geoff Stone said a by-law would not solve the problem. The real problems were unemployment, and basic human values being undermined, he said. The Mayor of Christ-

church, Sir Hamish Hay, said that a report on crime and violence should be prepared by the council’s community services and health committee. The police kiosk in the Square should get priority in the improvements planned, he said. Full support should be given for the police and other organisations to establish Neighbourhood Watch groups throughout Christchurch, he said. The Minister of Justice, Mr Palmer, will meet Sir Hamish and police heads in Christchurch on April 28.