NEW DOPE

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 April 1922, Page 2

NEW DOPE

METHYLATED SPIRIT DRINKING Au outbreak of methylated spirit drinking is causing considerable concern to social welfare workers and the authorities of Leicester. In a number of charges of drunkenness heard at the local police courts it was found that the defendants were intoxicated with methylated spirit, and had bottles of it in their possession. That methylated spirit drinking is on the increase (says the ‘‘Weekly Despatch”) is confirmed by local factories, the police, and several leaders of welfare organisations. At a large, hosiery factory in the city, as the result of the discoverey of a large bottle of methylated spirit in one of the work rooms, strict orders were given to the supervisors io keep a sharp look-out. Investigations revealed that a. surprising number of the operatives were in the habit of drinking methylated spirit mixed with gin. Apparently the practice is indulged in—so it stated, at any rate —in order to improve the complexion and to brighten the eyes. Many cases are known of girls who have suffered serious physical injury as a. result.

A welLknown licensed victualler in the town says that methylated spirit is frequently mixed with other spirits served in small quantities. Those who do this are chiefly women, and their object is to add potency to the drink. A chemist says that considerable quantities of methylated spirit have been sold during the last six months (July-December), apparently for domestic purposes. There is no restriction on the sale of the spirit; but in cases where it was suspected that the stuff might not be used for a normal purpose its dangers have been pointed out. This chemist is . of opinion that many of the women and girls contracted the habit of drinking methylated spirt while engaged on munition work during the war., '