"DRUNK AND DISORDERLY."

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1752, 28 January 1888, Page 2

"DRUNK AND DISORDERLY."

TO TTLK EDITOR.

Sia, — I trust that your numerous subscribers t^avo more than passing attention to the loading article In your Usao of Wednesday last. The " word-pictures" which irero on that Oceanian drawn with auoh accaraoy and faithfulness^ mast have evoked pulnfal interest oonoernlng an evil that it is impossible to exaggerate. That you only gave a glimpse at one phino of the drink mania is apparent, bnt if the veil were lifted from the prtvaoy which oonoaals the mUery and wretohedno&s prevailing m the homes of many families, hundreds of persons who are now content to have bnt sentimental views on tho evils of drunkenness, would be stirred to vigorous act vity In waging war m every possible manner against It. I have not a word to say ngainßt the methods adopted by Temperance and kindred organisations for " lifting up the fallen, and koeplng others from falling," but the responsibilities connected with this work of social reform rest with every individual member of the oommnntty who is himself" not a rlotim to the terrible curse. An opportunity will be afforded on Monday next of totting how far the burgesses of Ashbnrton are interested m the drink troffio. Five rmmbern are required to oomtitntu the licensing bench, and 1 lght gent'emen have been nominated. Every ratepayer of the borough la entitled to vote on that oooaslon, and it la to be hoped that moro votes will be reoorded than at any previous, licensing election In Ashbarlcn It has been said that any five of the eight candidates would make a good OomcnHtoo, bat, with your kind permission, I won!d like to point out an important Issue whioh U Involved m this contest. Rol able statistics prove that the greatest amount of drinking takes place after ten o'olook a' night ; and only those gentlemen should be elected to the bench who will decline to extend the publican's license beyond that hoar. My advice Is : Find out those of the candidates who will, if returned, oloie the hotels at 10 p.m., who will endeavor to carry out the existing liaan■lng laws without fear or favor, and then vote straight for such men. Let evory ratepayor realise his responsibility In this matter, and whatever Inconvenience It anay entail, let him fiid his way to the Borough Oounoil Ohambors on Monday, »nd take a part m deoldlcg this important election.

I am, etc. ,