DRINKING AT DANCES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 52, Issue 3767, 10 June 1936, Page 4

DRINKING AT DANCES

REPRESENTATIONS TO BOROUGH COUNCIL. STRICT CONTROL ASKED FOR. ' The subject of drinking at dances in public halls came before the local Borough Council at Monday evening's meeting. The Council of Christian Congregations, Te Awamutu, wrote: “Complaint has been made to us that the practice of drinking at dances in public halls is on the increase. Therefore we are writing all hall committees in this district asking them to make a combined effort to deal with this evil. We would appeal to you to exercise as strict a control as possible over all dances and social functions held in your hall. We believe that with your co operation this evil, which has such a pernicious influence upon many of our boys and girls, may be at least checked, if not entirely eradicated. The signatures to the memorial were S. R. Wareing, representing the Church of England; A. C. Whitelaw, D. Mclntyre and H, A. Moore, representing the Presbyterian Church; and A. E. Jefferson, representing the Methodist Church. The Mayor said lie was informed similar letters are being sent to other local and public bodies. However, it was hard to take action, as he was convinced most of the drinking takes place outside the halls. Cr Gifford asked what powers the Council has? The Mayor said there were by-laws affecting the conduct of dance halls. Cr Rainey said similar representations had been made to the Council some years ago. All the Council could do was tolask hirers of the hall to, as far as possible, check the practice. Cr Brown said he was satisfied drinking does take place outside public halls, but he could not see how the Council could take any further action.