“People Who Live In Whisky Bottles . ..” (Press, 7 December 1971)

At a Jaycee award dinner in Balclutha on the weekend of 6 December 1971, Brian Brooks, a resident from Auckland, made headlines with his controversial remarks about societal issues. Brooks, who described himself as a “failed industrial mediator,” firmly rejected allegations of being a Communist, clarifying that he was not affiliated with any political party. He also addressed claims regarding his sexuality, stating that such labels stemmed from his involvement with a group advocating for reforms in laws governing homosexuality. In his address, Brooks strongly critiqued war, militarism, and materialism, suggesting that New Zealand's social problems—including high rates of alcoholism, illegitimacy, divorce, and the struggles associated with the country's transition from a rural to an industrial society—could be resolved by opposing military engagements. He pointed out that it was not the youth but rather the older generation, referred to as the “blue rinse set,” who were more prone to substance abuse issues such as reliance on tranquillisers and alcohol. Brooks expressed a hopeful outlook for the future, asserting that genuine change would be driven by the courage and vision of young people. He shared a heartfelt wish that when his son reaches adulthood in the 21st century, it would be a time that both would be proud of. His remarks reflected a broader discourse on the need for reform and highlighted the generational shift in values and societal expectations.

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