PUBLIC HOUSES IN OUTLYING DISTRICTS.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 117, 31 August 1877, Page 3

PUBLIC HOUSES IN OUTLYING DISTRICTS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE AIvAROA MAIL. Sir,—An attempt is about to be made to obtain a license for a proposed public house in Okain's Bay. The agitator is one who has considerable influence in the Bay, and he lms obtained numerous signatures, chiefly of those who are more or less dependent upon him, to a petition intended to be presented to the Licensing Bench at an early date. Why the promoter is so anxious to erect an hotel on tho newly formed township, is not difficult to guess ; but, why so many persons are found willing to see a 'curse planted in their midst, is not so easily understood. That it cannot be for its necessity or its benefit to the community, ia certain, for there are few of them probably who have not denounced the evils which have grown up with one established in a neighbouring locality. The very promoter has felt over and over again the curse of drink selling in this place, and has broughthis grievance before the Bench. The old settlers here are strongly opposed to this matter, and deplore the abominable temptation sought to be put in the wny of their growing families. They justly look forward with dread to this demoralising influence being placed in their midst, for they can see no real necessity for it at all. If they are unsuccessful in restraining the license

being granted, they are determined to agitate loud and continually until direct p.ilice supervision is granted to check the practices so frequently occurring in such whore poli'-e • supervision is so scanty. Before the liciMi.-je is granted,jt is earnestly hoped that good reason will be required of the applicant why such a house is necessary. I contend, Sir, that no p-ivate gains should be permitted to hold weight in such an important matter as this ; nor should personal favour avail; and that unless it is proved that public accommodation demands its erection, it should on no account be granted. I contend, Sir, that the public do not want it, that we have no traffic in, through, or to Okain s Bay to support puch a house, and that its whole support will be derived from the hard earned wages which, in too many instances, will be sadly needed to support a wife and family. I cull upon the Good Templars of this Peninsula to raise their united voice against such an iniquitous attempt to upset the comfort, happiness, and weal of a small isolated outlying district, merely to add to the lucrative ambition of one man, who would, i£ possible, clear out of tho district immediately-. . F. Pkiest.