A SERIOUS PROBLEM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 193, 15 July 1943, Page 4

A SERIOUS PROBLEM

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The conviction of a Maori soldier for disorderly behaviour in Main Street, as reported in the "Manawatu Standard" of 13/7/43 was certainly welcome reading. The strong comment of 'the senior-ser-geant anent the behaviour—or lack of it—of a type of Maori soldier when on leave in the city is timely and echoes the sentiments of residents, and it is to be hoped is a token of firmer control in this matter in future.

The time is well overdue for clearing the -streets of soldiers whose provocative behaviour appears to be their peculiar expression of being "tough." A disturbing feature of the antics of these men is their penchant for accosting and provoking overseas visiting servicemen. This is particularly the case within the environs of hotels when they get "steamed up." Another of their peculiarities, which seems to' tickle their perverted sense of humour, is to utter embarrassing innuendoes at those servicemen who happen to be passing with a lady friend. It is a matter for regret that this behaviour has become so prevalent as to assume almost the nature of a problem —a native problem—which we don't want here.—Yours, etc., DISGUSTED.