Detective Inspector Perry described the growth of drug taking in New Zealand, the main types used and the appalling results. ‘The major cause of drug-taking is the companions with whom you mix,’ he said. ‘Don't listen to the pop star who says LSD “brings me nearer to God”. You are at an impressionable age. You must have better types to model yourselves on. ‘Drugs such as those used for the relief of pain by the medical profession had an important place in society,’ he said. ‘The people who misuse drugs are the people who never make it, the dropouts.’ Sergeant Cuthbert told the girls how to avoid the many unpleasant situations young women sometimes found themselves in—from unsupervised teen-age parties to “one-arm” drivers. He told them to choose their friends wisely and set their standards very high. ‘The choice of companions can get a girl into trouble,’ he said. ‘Wrong companions can lead to bad marriages.’ Sergeant Cuthbert said the police would break off a relationship for a girl if she was too frightened to do it herself. ‘Come to the police for advice,’ he said. On the last day the girls discussed the course and made suggestions for future courses. They suggested more panel discussions, more time to see the city, more visits to places of employment and also tours of hospitals and hostels. All were firm on one point, future courses should be for girls only and not mixed. Judging by the keen young faces, the probing questions and the buzz of chatter after every session, the course was a success and ample reward for the hard-working organizers. ‘It is essential to have this information before coming to the city,’ said one girl. I feel each lecture is of definite benefit.’ said another. To show their gratitude, the girls each donated one dollar towards expenses for future courses. For most of the girls this was the first time they had met people outside their own families and friends and it was a new and exciting experience. But Mr Royal warned that life in the city would not compare with life on the course. When they came to the city they would feel homesick and lonely. This was part of the change from country to city. However, the girls had learned some idea of how best to meet this challenge Dr R. G. McElroy, Mayor of Auckland, speaking to Moengard. Rogers, Pukekohe High School, and Bessie Kingi. Te Kauwhata High School, in the committee room on the 15th floor of the Auckland City Council Administration Block. —‘Auckland star’ photograph