DRINKING AT DANCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23866, 21 July 1939, Page 15

DRINKING AT DANCES

10 CHE EDITOR Sir, —Your i orrespondent “No More Empties ” seems to nave a great imagination when he states that the surrounds of the Waitati Hall on a Sunday morning present the appearance of S bottle “marine*’ yard In J* air £ e , s ? to all those concerned who hold dances etc., in the hall mentioned for the ehtertainment of those desiring some pleasure, I would like to mention that If "No More Empties" travelled a little out of Waitati and paid a visit to some dances held elsewhere he could return to Waitati fully convinced that the dances held there were as well, if not better, conducted than many in other places. “ No More Empties” expresses the hope that whoever is in charge of the hall— -perfectly ■well aware who is in charge—will see that this drinking ceases It cannot be expected that the person in charge of the hall should be at all function* held as he lives some distance away But I am sure in all sincerity that he is not to be Mamed for what goes on at the hall F or the past 10 years I have been connected with dances and social functions held at Waitati and I will admit there has been drink in the vicinity of the hall But Sir I have seen that awful drink in the sam. vicinity wnec functions have been held fw the Good Templars and church benefits. Surely • No More Empties” has had ample time to find a quiet little spot to have a restful sleep instead of living in the vicinity of such an awful place We have also a constable in the district who is quite capable of controlling any • drunken sprees,” as mentioned, ana

without the assistance of “No More Empties,” I would suggest to “No More Empties" to give an annual donation to the Good Templars’ Lodge, and then the doors could be closed for future social functions, and “No More Empties” could then have the restful sleep desired.—l am, etc., J, Duncan. Waitati, July 19. TO THE EDITOR Sir, —Please allow me space to contradict several false statements in reference to a dance held in the Good Templars’ Hall, Waitati, on Friday. July 14. As M.C. of the dance, I can truthfully say there was no drink allowed in the hall or the grounds. With reference to neighbours being disturbed from their sleep or rest, that is all “ piffle.” The local constable visits all dances held here, and made a call as late as 12.45 a.m. and said everything was quite orderly on July 14, and he calls on all other dance nights. People living alongside the ball have no complaints to make about the noise on that date, I clean the hall out after every dance, and if there are anv “dead marines,” I fear “No More Empties ” must be there before me! Several local residents who attended the dance are indignant at the slur on their characters, and think that “No More Empties ” must be barred in some way,from attending the dance —I am. etc.. Cecil Shame, M.C. Waitati Dance. July 19.