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December 1947

A.A.'s Country-wide News Circuit

Judge Advises Joining A.A.

Two men before North Adams, Mass., district court on drunkenness charges were advised to join A.A. by Special Justice William A. O'Hearn recently in an action which is believed by members of the Pittsfield Group to set a precedent for Massachusetts and perhaps for the country. Stating that the commonwealth classifies drunkenness as a crime and does little or nothing to bring about rehabilitation, Judge O'Hearn said he feels it is a disease and "we should begin to do something about it." The judge continued one case for a year and placed the other on a year's probation, concluding by saying, "I had little faith in A.A. when it was first organized but I have watched the growth of this organization and know some of its splendid accomplishments. I feel that today it perhaps offers the greatest opportunity in overcoming this terrible curse." The Pittsfield Group, which includes members from North Adams is following through on this by planning a big open meeting at the Hotel Richmond in North Adams soon. With the splendid cooperation of the local radio and press it is hoped that this will be successful and result in the formation of a North Adams Group.

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