WOMEN PROTEST

Southland Times, Issue 22139, 6 October 1933, Page 8

WOMEN PROTEST

LIQUOR AT DANCES AUCKLAND TOWN HALL COUNCIL “RECEIVES” LETTER (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, October 5. After a discussion in which the “Back to Childhood Party” was repeatedly mentioned, the City Council declined to accept a proposal that liquor should be more or less _ specifically banned from functions held in the Town Hall. The following resolution passed at a. recent district convention was forwarded by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union: “That this convention appeals to the Mayor . and councillors, urging them to prohibit the use of alcoholic drink at any function held in the Town Hall.” Tire Mayor, Mr G. W. Hutchison, moved that the communication be received. Mr D. Donaldson moved as an amendment that the council should give effect to the request as far as it was able. Mr A. Rosser, who seconded the amendment, said the council should be able to enforce the same restrictions as other hall owners. Liquor had been prohibited in the Trades Hall for years, although there had been a good deal of trouble in enforcing the rule. He recognized that liquor could not be excluded from banquets held in the Town Hall, but permits could be obtained on such occasions as was the rule elsewhere. The Mayor said the rules under which the hall was let did not make any specific conditions regarding liquor, but gave all the needed discretionary power to the Town Clerk for preserving good order and control of the premises. ‘ln the city there has grown up a practice on the part of some young men who think it manly to ‘take a spot to a dance’ as they call it, and give the liquor to their girl friends. I can only say that it is not a manly act and anyone who does it is unworthy of the confidence of any young lady. At the same time, some people are too hysterical about such matters. I have visited a great many functions and have heard very few complaints. We have ample powers vested in the hall keeper if anything further occurs, but I do not think it will. There is no need for any action at the present time.” The amendment was lost and the motion carried.