FOR A WAGER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 280, 26 November 1936, Page 6

FOR A WAGER

DECENTLY a descendant of the famous Baron Munchausen V decided to appear at a cabaret in his original suit, he doing so allegedly “for a wager.” He was accommodated with residence in gaol for a period of six months. Presumably he will wear the prison regulation uniform without the inducement of a wager. Socially-placed young men and women in London are reported to consider gate-crashing—as appearing as an uninvited guest is termed—to be a good joke, especially when done for a wager. The claim that these intrusions are Ihe result of “a wager” is being worn too thin: nobody of sensibility would think of placing themselves in a position where they deserved a public snub for trespass. What is evidenced by such conduct is that those who engage in it are so avid for entertainment that they are prepared to lay aside whatever personal dignity they may have a claim to in order to .become cadgers of the worst type. Sponging “for a wager” is still sponging, and the best cure for the gate-crasher would be to treat, him or her as a common trespasser and provide them with a few weeks in gaol in order to give them time to consider their true social worth. Gate-crashing is no’t unknown in New Zealand, although it has not. yet gained the dimensions to which it has attained in London. Wherever ostentatious and numerous parties arc given, however, such conduct is likely to be encouraged.