LIQUOR TAKEN AT DANCES

Southland Times, Issue 23334, 19 October 1937, Page 8

LIQUOR TAKEN AT DANCES

DANGER TO YOUNG GIRLS RECOMMENDATION OF GRAND JURY (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 18. The danger constituted by giving liquor to young girls at public dances was commented on by Mr Justice Reed in his charge to the grand jury at the opening of the criminal sessions. His Honour also made a veiled reference to abortion, saying that it might have some origin in promiscuous drinking at dances. He said the grand jury could make to obtain some prohibiting measure. The grand jury returned with the following recommendation:— “That this grand jury strongly recommends that legislation be enacted making it an offence to bring or consume liquor in any dance hall, and also that steps be taken to prohibit drinking in motor-cars by those attending such dance halls.” His Honour said that the recommendation was a very valuable one, and he would, see that it was transferred to the proper authorities. The judge in his remarks made the following reference to a charge of attempted rape:—“Evidence will be given that a couple met for the first time at a public dance and drank beer before the alleged offence occurred. I think you will probably agree that it emphasizes the necessity of some sort of supervision at these public dances. One sees in the newspapers cases of drunkenness. Liquor is brought to dances by men as a rule, and much of it is consumed by young girls. In these days chaperones are unknown, and girls go unaccompanied to these dances. The dangers due to drinking in those circumstances are obvious. May not a more serious crime which has been publicly discussed recently have some origin in this promiscuous drinking at these dances? You are entitled, if you think it wise to do so. to make some representations as to whether something could not be done to prohibit liquor being brought to these dances. The danger to young girls is obvious.” The gradual lessening in serious crime in New Zealand was noted by his Honour. There were only two cases for trial, but he said this did not definitely indicate an absence of crime in the district, as 19 persons had pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court since the last session. Twentyone crimes had been represented in the last quarter, but at the same time there were indications of serious crime gradually lessening, and that was a matter for congratulation. The type of crime that was a familiar charge, the negligent driving of a motor-car so as to cause death or bodily injury, was absent this session, but that did not show there was not negligence in the district, as no fewer than 12 cases were on the civil list in which the dcmage and injuries alleged had been caused by the negligence of the defendants.