“UNWARRANTED SLUR”

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 97, 19 January 1926, Page 6

“UNWARRANTED SLUR”

EXCLUSION OF SAILORS FROM DANCES

BY teli:cbapii--speciai cobbesponhent..

Auckland, January 18.

The exclusion of sailors in naval uniform from attending certain weekly dances in Auckland has given rise to no little discussion and surprise. It would be idle to suppose that the matter is «f small weight and significance. Both officers and men of warships in port feel indignant at what they regard as an unwarranted slur on their character and behaviour, and the opinion is widely held among the civilian population that the drastic nature of the action calls for a proper explanation. Contrary to the general belief, the trouble is confined to only two weekly dances—both under the same management. One is the Monday night dance at St. Benedict’s; the other is the Saturday night dance at the Masonic Hall. Dances conducted at these halls on other nights of the week are not affected; indeed, those in charge of them appear thoroughly to disapprove the action. When approached, the manager of the two dances In question declined to offer any explanation. He took up the attitude'that the conduct of the dances was his own affair, and resented anyone telling him his own business. He stated that there was no intention on his part of casting' reflections on all sailors, a great many of whom he admitted were most exact in their ballroom behaviour, but as a result of his experience he had laid down the policy that no sailors should be admitted, and in his decision lie had the support of a number of citizens. Beyond that he would make no explanation. The attitude taken up towards bluejackets at,these dances has unquestionably left a verv bad impression, and in the absence of the manager’s explanation would appear to be absolutely unjustifiable. '1 hose in charge of other dance halls in the city are emphatically of opinion that the deportment and conduct of naval men at dances leaves nothing to be desired; indeed, a good many of them volunteer the view that the average sailor’s behaviour at a public dance' is a good deal more creditable han that of local youths.