NATIVES AND BEER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23131, 1 September 1938, Page 19

NATIVES AND BEER

PROVISION OF lIALLS

OBJECTION BY KAFFIRS CAPETOWN CONTROVERSY [from our own correspondent] CAPETOWN, July 30 The natives of Langa (Capetown's native housing area) have won the first round in their beer dispute with the City Council.

The City Council has recently considered the advisability of erecting beer halls for natives in the location, where "Kaffir beer" of controlled potency and guaranteed quality could be sold to the natives. In this it would be following the example of Durban, Johannesburg and other municipalities, where the scheme has been moderately successful.

The natives have opposed the project very energetically, however, and in order to prevent disorder the City Council lias deferred its decision. The advocates of beer halls allege that the beer now brewed privately under licence in the location is excessively strong and, since it is produced without any official supervision, is often a filthy and unhygienic brew. The beer hall beer, they say, will be cleanly produced, and will not contain more than per cent of alcohol, and will have definite food value.

The natives allege that the beer hall scheme is intended to make a profit for the council; that European brewers cannot make Kaffir beer; and, that it is against native custom to go to a public place for beer, which is essentially a domestic beverage.

Moreover they argue that there are hardly ever anv convictions for drunkenness at Langa. Last year there were only 10 in a population of 6000, and that therefore there is no reason to change a system that has worked well and has not been abused.