DRUG TRAFFIC

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 October 1928, Page 5

DRUG TRAFFIC

AUCKLAND ALLEGATIONS. Stating he was amazed at the extent of drug-taking in Auckland, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, Methodist city missioner, in an address at the Methodist Central Mission this week, detailed conclusions he had drawn as a result of 12 months’ investigation. “There is a very wide traffic .in drugs, in this city,” said Mr Scrimgeour. “The idea is prevalent that very little drug is taken. We hear of it in connection with places like Sydney, but we d© not associate the traffic with Auckland.” The speaker said his investigations had been most arduous, as it was very difficult to locate or explore the evil. Addicts themselves were reluctant to give any information. A certain amouht of information had, however, been obtained. Addicts had told how they had obtained the drugs. The drug addicts were of all nationalities. He had no evidence of it existing to a great extent in society circles, but it was generally the case that if a respectable man, cultivated the habit he descended rapidly until he lost all respectability. Mr Scrimgeour gave details of cases which had come under his notice. He said one night a man had come to his house and, when he opened the door, his visitor had fallen in a heap. He was suffering very badly having taken practically every known drug. After a week’s medical treatment the effect of the drugs had barely worn off.

The speaker added that he was continuing his investigations and he hoped before long that the traffic would be definitely checked. He was receiving the help of those directly concerned and others Interested,