SOLDIERS AND GIRLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24945, 18 June 1942, Page 3

SOLDIERS AND GIRLS

CONDUCT.IN MELBOURNE POSITION CAUSES CONCERN (N.Z.P.A. Special Australian Correspondent) (Rec. 1.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 17. Complaints of immorality and drunkenness among troops and girls in Melbourne have been investigated by the Minister for the Army, Mr F. M. Forde. The Minister said he was seriously concerned at what he had seen during a tour of Melbourne streets at night, and that steps must be taken to prevent a continuance of the present laxity. Taxi drivers, with years of experience, say they have never seen such abandonment in the city. A serious suggestion was made recently that a midnight curfew should be imposed on Melbourne women. There seems to be little likelihood of this imposition. Strenuous opposition has been voiced by women's organisations throughout Australia. Mr Forde's inquiries, however, are expected to result in still stricter policing of men on leave, and heavier penalties for drunkenness. About 200 prosecutions for breaches of the liquor laws have already been authorised in Melbourne. In an editorial dealing with the problems of misbehaviour by a small section of troops on leave, the Sydney Sun suggests that the matter is one for army education more than for discipline. The Sun adds: "Pride is the foundation of soldierly bearing. A soldier must be taught that to bear arms for his country is a proud duty, and that he must do nothing to disgrace the service and the uniform he wears."