DEPUTATION TO COUNCIL

Evening Star, Issue 20585, 10 September 1930, Page 7

DEPUTATION TO COUNCIL

TO 111 SDITO*. Sir, —It is only courteous that acknowledgment should ,be made of Mr Black’s letter in your Saturday’s issue, and, _ as' he suggests that “there is nothing to be gained by continuing the correspondence”—well, let it go at that. However, a short reply may be made to “ Indignant’s ” letter in your Monday’s issue. .He certainly steers a circuitous course around and away from the purposes of the deputation. The drink evils at some dances and some cabarets is everywhere admitted; to calculate accurately the measure of these evils is not necessary. They exist, and are numerous enough to require dealing with. Further, the evils are not in the young people or others attending these functions; they are in the drink itself, which is supplied or obtained there. Just so far as measures are adopted to restrict the consumption of drink at social functions and places of entertainment so far will the evils be lessened. Continue to allow the providing or supplying of drink at these places and the evils will continue. This is an obvious fact, and incontrovertible truth.

It is also quite true, and a better authority could not be given to “ Indignant,” that at the August meeting of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children, Mr R. S. Black made a strong speech, and as the president stated in her Saturday’s letter in your column, “spoke seriously about this evil of liquor at dance halls.” In that same speech Mr Black stated that he _ was surprised that tho women’s societies were not moving in this matter, especially the Women’s Christian Temperance Unions, and suggested again as per the president’s letter, “ that a deputation from the women’s societies should wait on the City Council on the matter.” This authority that the evils exist and require dealing with should satisfy even “Indignant.” • n * y question of importance now is: What can or is going to bo doneto restrict or remove liquor from licensed cabarets and dance halls? There is an old saying, “By their fruits ye shall know them,” and • Deeds nob words, are the requirement of the hour.” The public generally will watch anxiously this test of the mayor and city councillors upon this important question.—l am, etc., „ , Citizen. September 10.