SAILORS’ EXCLUSION FROM CABARET

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 41, 12 November 1936, Page 13

SAILORS’ EXCLUSION FROM CABARET

Navy League President Has Little to Say

CORRESPONDENTS EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS

When questioned last night as to the Navy League's attitude toward the ban placed on the entry of bluejackets from H.M.S. Achilles to a Wellington cabaret, Sir James Grose, president of the Wellington branch of the league, was brief in his comment. As it was the rule of the cabaret not to admit sailors in uniform, there was, he said, little that could be done in the meantime. It might be possible, however, to bring about a better state of affairs by the time the Achilles returned to Wellington in January, when it would be in port for about one month. Further letters to the Editor on the subject have been received as under: — Sir.—lt is most appropriate that I should be writing this on Armistice Day, when the usual lip service to our fallen soldiers is performed. I note that the manager of a Wellington cabaret has stated that it is a rule of his cabaret that the uniform of ordinary British sailors is not a proper attire for his patrons. I would point out that this is the uniform of His Majesty the King. I would like to ask whether, if an enemy were outside Wellington Heads, the uniform would still not be permitted in the cabaret? Perhaps the proprietors of the cabaret have not. heard of Mr. Kipling, who told us thirty years ago : “This making mock of uniforms that guard you while you sleep, Is cheaper than them uniforms, and they’re starvation cheap.” When it comes to fighting we are quite willing to give our sailors “front seats in the stalls.” We should at least allow them the freedom of any public danejng hall in times of peace. It is evidently time that the city council considered the conditions of these licences. Is this another manifestation of the common resolution prevalent today—to leave the fighting to the other fellow? —I am, etc., TOMMY ATKINS. Wellington, November 11.

Sir, —The extraordinary story of Hitbanning of bluejackets from a V elliugton cabaret, which you published to-day, would have been regarded as merely a back-alley rumour if confirmation had nut been supplied by* the manager of the cabaret.

What is the answer to such an outrageous affront to the men of the Navy? If it had happened in any other country in the world there would have been a storm of protest in the House of Commons and in the Empire Press. It is not conceivable that the people of this Dominion, who realise that their existence actually depends on the fact that the Navy is there to guard them, will not be equally vehement in t repudiating this dastardly slur on the men who make it possible for cabaret proprietors and ail other residents to live their lives under peaceful conditions. —I am, etc., NA UTA. Wellington, November 11.

iSir, —May we be permitted to ask the “certain patrons” of a Wellington cabaret why they object to a sailors uniform on a dance floor? It is rather strange that we sailors are permitted to patronise (in uniform) such places as the Civic Cabaret and Peter Pan Cabaret in Auckland, the Locarno Cabaret and Covent Garden in London, all of which are really first-class dance places. Yet here in New Zealand’s capital city we found our uniforms objectionable on a dance floor. We would like to know why we, all British-horn and mostly New Zealanders, are not treated the same in this respect, as, for instance, are sailors from visiting foreign warships, who are invited and permitted almost everywhere. Perhaps the uniform of the British Navy, of which I am sure everyone ought to be proud, is not on a par with that of other countries in the eyes of "certain patrons.” Mayoe the day will come when the same “certain patrons” will be proud of that uniform, and even have to don it themselves should the occasion arise, then maybe they will alter their ideas. . , To-day, we observed two minutes silence for those who gave their lives in that 'uniform which represents the flag ■we are so very proud to serve under. We wonder, did they do the same?—We are, etc.. CURIOUS SEAMEN. H.M.S. Achilles, November 11. Sir. —As one who has had the privilege of associating with naval ratings, both aboard ship and ashore, I am moved to protest against the treatment recently meted out to them at a Wellington cabaret. Where else could be found a finer body of men whom the citizens .of this city should be proud to entertain? I suppose we reservists, who have sufficient patriotism to give up much of our spare time in naval training, would be met with the same treatment. In distinguishing between class 1 and o uniforms (i.e., with jackets), and class 2 (with jumpers), the management showed amazing ignorance of naval affairs. One womlers whether we would get the same treatment if there was a war. No. In those circumstances, cabaret managers would be only too pleased to welcome men in any uniform. This is another example of the modern trend for still greater regard to superficialities. —I am_.

Sir, —The incident of the sailors of the Achilles at a Wellington cabaret recalls our own experience in England in the war years, when all the best hotels, restaurants, theatre seats, etc., were available to officers only. Nice people had no desire to be annoyed by soldiers in uniform and the colonials especially were very upset about it. ‘■You must go round to the tap-room for your beer,” caused many an eruption on hotel premises. Ostlers, stable-boys and hobbledehoys were fit drinking companions for us, and seats in the "gods were available if you wished to see a play —“nice people” just hated the sight of khaki I If the practice han spread to this great democracy of the southern seas I am very sorry, and I ask the sailors to accept an apology from a Digger sympathiser. I humbly submit that the proprietor of the cabaret was wrong and discourteous to men he may yet have cause to admire. In a newly-created Socialist country like New Zealand we find that “Jack” is not as good as his master after all—and how ridiculous we must appear in the eyes of those who arc waiting for this Dominion to lead the world into fresh fields and pastures new.—l am, etc.,

WELCOME STRANGER Wellington, November 11.