ROWDYISM AT A DANCE

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 59, Issue 4171, 11 August 1939, Page 4

ROWDYISM AT A DANCE

INCIDENTS AT MANGAPIKO. THREE YOUNG MEN PROSECUTED. Arising out of the fact that Sergeant Clist and Constable Carseldine were called to Mangapiko somewhere about midnight on the night of 30th July, three young men were charged at the local Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Desmond Fitzgerald did not appear to answer a charge of committing wilful damage to the wireless aerial of a motor car parked near the hall at Mangapiko while a dance was in progress. Damage valued at £2 2s had resulted to the aerial. ,

Sergeant Clist, who conducted the prosecution, said Fitzgerald and two younger larrikins had been indulging in solne “ horse-play ” outside the hall. Fitzgerald was a grown man, and should have known better than to interfere with other people’s property. There was no justification for his action. The sergeant added that the police had had numerous complaints about unseemly conduct at country dance-halls, but it was obvious that they could not attend at all the halls. There was bad language used within the hearing of the dance patrons on more than one occasion. He hoped the present cases would have the effect of putting a stop to the nuisance. It was agreed to take the charges against John E. Fitzgerald, aged 18 years, and Frank B. Marsh, aged 17& years, before imposing, a penalty on Desmond Fitzgerald. John E. Fitzgerald was charged with using obscene language, and elected to be dealt with summarily. Frank B. Marsh admitted a charge of disorderly conduct-

The prosecution told the Court that Marsh was in charge of a motor vehicle, and he might even have been charged with being intoxicated while in charge of it. It had been decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. He had taken the truck without permission from his father. Apparently the young fellow needed a lesson, while the prosecution was expected to also act as a deterrent to others disposed to larrikinism. Both Fitzgerald and Marsh had had some liquor. His Worship commented that there was nothing clever in getting a few drinks aboard and then kicking up a row. The offenders might think they were thus able to enjoy themselves better, but at the same time they destroyed the pleasure of other persons. Their behaviour was by no means commendable—it seemed like a display of bravado. Desmond Fitzgerald was thereupon fined £5, with costs 10s, and ordered to make good the damage to the wireless aerialThe two younger lads were each fined £2 10s and costs 10s. Addressing the accused, Mr Freeman said: “You are young, but you should have more sense. There is only one place where you will end up if you don’t mend your ways—so take heed and behave yourselves ! ”