MORAL DELINQUENCY.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16817, 8 June 1926, Page 4

MORAL DELINQUENCY.

Colonel Knott, Chief Secretary of the Salvation Army, speaking in Christchurch, is reported to have stated "lhat secret organisations composed of the youth of botli sexes arc in existence throughout New Zealand for the purpose of distributing drugs and living immoral lives generally." The statement has naturally caused some concern, for, while people may differ as to the justice of general charges levied against the young people, no rightminded person can be insensible of the harm .which organisation of vice must cause. This point, however, arises. Drug distribution is immoral, but it is also illegal. Inquiries amongst the social workers in the chief cities have failed lo establish much corroboration for Colonel Knott's allegations, though one or two incidents have been revealed tending to show a somewhat undesirable state of affairs, and some careful investigation is needed. In his statement at Christchurch the Colonel is reported to have said that the Inspector of Police was conversant with the matter, and, if that is so, why is not action being taken? If Colonel Knott has sufficient evidence of the secret organisations to warrant a public denunciation, has he placed that evidence in the hands of the police? The mailer cannot be permitted to remain i where it is. The statements must either be substantiated or disproved.