A.A.'s Country-wide News Circuit

Warm commendation of the work of the Richmond Group is given by Judge J. Hoge Ricks of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, Richmond, Va. In his annual report he stated: "The court has tried for years to find an answer to the liquor problem. To this end it has used probation, good behavior bonds, treatment in the various state and local hospitals, suspended sentences, confinement in the city jail and state farm, all with little success. The one ray of hope in this dark picture is seen in the splendid activity and fine cooperation of Alcoholics Anonymous, a group of citizens who have found an effective method of dealing with this problem. About two years ago, the court began referring cases to this organization. When the person referred followed our advice and contacted the organization, he was invariably helped. However, we discovered that many of those referred did not go to the A.A. meetings. In recent months members of the A.A. group have been attending court three days a week when domestic relations cases are heard. They are ready to give information concerning the A.A. and its activities to any man or woman who indicates a desire to stop drinking, and they extend a cordial invitation to such persons to participate. Many individuals who have been before this court time and again for drunkenness in past years are now keeping sober and have been rehabilitated in their homes."