SOG-UK-L Archives

Archiver > SOG-UK > 2001-03 > 0983700364


From: "Shirley Arabin" <>
Subject: Re: [SoG] Smoking concerts
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 23:06:04 +1300
References: <Ryq51DA6fsn6EwIN@montaigne.demon.co.uk>


Known as 'Smoke Concerts' in the 1940s 50s in NZ although I did see the term
'Smoking Concert' recently on film of an old local newspaper at an earlier
time.

My understanding was that it was a social occasion, men only, when smoking
and drinking were the main activities, and used as a fund raiser for an
organisation ( probably farewells as other posters have mentioned).

Cannot envisage strippers in the small town where I grew up. There must
have been some element of respectability of the event as no one ever tried
to hide that such an event was on.

Seen somewhat in the same light as other all male gatherings such as lodges.

As the town was in an area where sale of alcoholic drinks was prohibited,
the attraction was probably the illegal sale of liquor.
NZ has in its history had times when prohibition was a political issue.
Until recent years there was always the liquor poll at the time of general
elections when the choice was State control, prohibition, or continuence.

Part of the 'wowser' mentality.
Shirley Arabin from Mount Maunganui
Say yes to Question 42 on Census night for retaining the forms
and opening them in 100 years.

This thread: