DRINK AT DANCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22431, 29 May 1936, Page 14

DRINK AT DANCES

FARMERS CONCERNED "SERIOUS SOCIAL EVIL" OFFICIAL ACTION NEEDED The formation of district vigilance committees and the establishment of n special volunteer constabulary as methods to combat the practice of drinking at public dances were suggestions advanced yesterday at the Auckland provincial conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. The subject Mas raised in a remit from the Bay of Islands district, and read: "That, as drinking at public dances is fast becoming a serious social evil, the Government bo urged to adopt measures that will prevent intoxieatinc drink being used at such dances " Mr. S. N. Ziman, of Cambridge, said this might at first sight appear to be n matter outside the scope of the conference, but lie considered it was one closely concerning almost everyone present. The evil, as it had become through practice and acceptance as a fashion, could only bo stamped out by strong measures 011 the part of the authorities.

Mr. A. E. Martin, Opotiki, urged delegates not to make themselves appear ridiculous by supporting the remit. The matter was one for the committees of the halls where the practice was alleged to bo carried out. (Cries of "No.") "How are you going to stop drinking which takes place outside halls I - ' Once a person goes out a ball door ho is 011 the public highway and beyond control," added Mr. Martin. In some districts committees refused to allow anyone to return to a hall after leaving it. That was 0110 way in which the practice could be checked.

Mr. F. C. Roberts. Waikato. said 95 por cent of the country halls had no facilities, and it was not possible to close the doors. The best-conducted dances which ho had seen were those where drinking was openly controlled in the halls.

Mr. A. J. Wills said the best method of eradicating the evil was by tackling it in their own respective districts. " Get a dozen men who are determined to clean this up and deal firmly with offenders, and you will have gone a long way to a solution," he added. Government backing to such a step would complete the movement to make public dances respectable for young folks. , , , The view that parents nnd local authorities controlling halls under licences had the cure in their hands was expressed bv Mr. F. Griffin, Mr. J. J. Shine suggested that the Government be asked to establish a special police force. "Citizens who are gravely concerned over this social evil can bo enlisted for the special duty of controlling dances and stopping the practice of drinking in cars on the roadside," said Mr. Shine, in stating he would gladly volunteer for such The remit was carried without dissent. •