TAKING OF DRUGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20071, 8 October 1928, Page 11

TAKING OF DRUGS.

WIDE TRAFFIC ALLEGED. MINISTER'S INVESTIGATIONS* DIFFICULTIES OF EXPOSURE. Stating ho 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 last evening detailed conclusions ho had drawn as a result of 12 months' investigation. "There is a very wide traffic in in this city," said Mr. Scrimgeour. "T.iic idea is prevalent that very little drug is taken. We hear of it in connection, with places like Sydney, but we do 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 amount of information had, however, been obtained. Addicts had told how they had obtained tho drugs. The drug addicts were of all nationalities. Ho bad no evidence of it existing to a great extent in society circles, but it was generally the case if a respectable man cultivated the habit ho 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 lie 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. .