DRUG ALLEGATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19349, 9 June 1926, Page 12

DRUG ALLEGATIONS.

Allegations of the prevalence of drug-taking among the young people of New Zealand, made by responsible officers of the Salvation Army, have attracted much attention. This was bound to be so, for drug addiction is a social menace of so grave a nature that, once proved, it should be dealt with as swiftly and as drastically as possible. The position at present, however, is that there is no proof, nothing more than assertion. There is no unanimity of opinion among Salvation Army officers. Some assent to the idea, some disclaim any knowledge of it. Colonel Knott, who made the original allegation, now says that his organisation is looking into th« matter, and until a report is available he wishes to say nothing moro about, it. He adds, "New Zealand does not know how. New Zealand lives." This is not evidence. The charge having been launched, evidence is wanted, not epigrams. Colonel Knott has said too little or too much. He has made public a statement conveying a grave reflection on the young people of New Zealand. It also implies incapacity or apathy in the Customs Department,' and, to a certain extent, the police. This being so, common fairness demands full revelation of the facts on which the statement is based. If the menace has gone as far as has been suggested, then the public should be fully warned, for an alert public opinion is an essential in fighting it. If the facts do not warrant the complexion placed on them, then the allegations should not have been made in this sensational form and spread broadcast. For the good repute of its young people, New Zealand can fairly ask Colonel Knott and those who have supported his charges to state the facts they have in their possession and state them quickly. Then the position can be faced. The very reputation the Salvation Army has for zeal in the cause of social cleanliness, and for good work in its service, calls for this amplification. It should be recognised at once that the situation cannot be allowed to rest where it now stands, with grave allegations made, but so far not supported by any definite evidence