THE COMING LICENSING ELECTION.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 586, 24 February 1882, Page 2

THE COMING LICENSING ELECTION.

To the Editor

Sir,—l have just learned (with what truth remains to lie seen) that me election of a Licensing ConniiitU'o for the Little River and Tai Tapu district will be held at Little Kiver, and I would ask if any one, however partial, could think this fair to the people of Tai Tapu, Gubbie's Valley, &c, &c. From what I have learned of the well-known impartiality of the returning officer, I am sure that, should he consider a polling booth necessary at Little River, he will give equal facilities to the people who jm.y wish to vote from the Tai Tapu side of the county, by either making similar arrangements for the latter place, or lixing the one booth in some more central locality.—Yours, etc., FAIR PLAY.

Tfti Tapu, Feb. 20,1882.

To the Editor. Sir, —I hope you will grant me a portion of your space to bring under the notice of your readers the election of a Licensing Committee for the borough of Akaroa, which takes place on Monday next. It is a "matter, sir, of very great importance, and, as you remarked in a recent issue of the Mail, there can be no doubt that electoral privileges bring with them responsibilities. The Licensing Committees have certain functions imposed upon them by law, and much will depend upon their careful and conscientious discharge of these duties. I do not think these functions are of bo wide a nature as your correspondent seems to imagine. Theoretically, no doubt, they have the option of granting new licenses ad libitum (unless prohibited by a vote of the ratepayers), or of cancelling existing ones at their own discretion ; but, practically, it is admitted by all but a few fanatics, that licensed houses must exist, and that a man who keeps his hotel respectably should not be interfered with except for good and sufficient reasons, and as to new licenses, surely no one is lunatic enough to maintain that Akaroa is not sufficiently supplied with conveniences for quenching the thirst of bibulous humanity, whether resident or visiting. So that the question of either increasing or decreasing the number of public-houses in Akaroa is t one that does not arise., xst any rate at present. The men that are wanted on a Licensing Committee are those who will hold the scales fairly between the licensees and their customers, the public ; men who approve in the main of the provisions of the law which they undertake to administer, and will do what in them lies to see them carried out, and not allow them to remain a dead letter ; men who, without any desire to persecute and harass restricted traders, will yet remember that publicans exist for the public, and not the public for them, and will place the conservation of public order," decency, and convenience before any private interests of those engaged in the sale of liquor. On one point the Committee will have to exercise a discretion which is placed in their hands by the Act—l mean the question of granting

•or refusing twelve o'clock licenses. By the new Act, the ordinary license only allows the house to be kept open till 10 ;p.m. It rests with the Committee whether they will grant extensions till midnight on payment of an additional fee. Perhaps the old Canterbury eleven o'clock system was a fair compromise, but as that is abolished, I certainly think it would be a •great pity if the hotels in a quiet place like this were to remain open till midnight. On Una point it would be well for electors to have a distinct expression of opinion from candidates before giving •their votes. I think the burgesses are to be congratulated on having a choice of candidates, and on such a respectable array of names being submitted to them to choose from. But for the fear of trespassing unduly on your spnee, 1 would have liked to compare the merits of the respective candidates. Briefly, however, I would say that Mr Tosswill possesses the fitness for the office •derived from long experience, thorough impartiality, and independence. The Rev Mr Stocker is well known for his indefatigable zeal in every good work ; his influence might safely be relied on to be •on the side of good. Mr Gr. Armstrong represents a body whose opinions are entitled to be heard on such a board. Mr Westenra has leisure, would be sure to be at bis post when required, and would no doubt have an opinion of his own on anything that would come before the Committee. The remaining sent, I consider, lies between Messrs Garwood and Henning. The former is widely known, and his genial disposition and sterling qualities have gained him very numerous friends. The latter will be supported by many on account of. the principles he professes, and by those who consider that in public matters private likes and dislikes should not be allowed to intrude. Mr Piper will probably be out of the running, if only on the ground of his being a non-resident. While good men who reside on the spot are •offering their services, it seems unnecessary to go afield for candidates. Of Mr :Masefield I know absolutely nothing in a public capacity, and I think this ignorance is shared by many more. Electors are not likely to put in men concerning whose opinions or probable course of action they are absolutely in the dark; therefore I 'think the choice will lie between the six first named, and may the best men win.— Yours, etc., HOPE, tfeb. 21,1882.