"PUBLIC" NOTES.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 205, 14 October 1873, Page 6

"PUBLIC" NOTES.

BY VIATOR. The permissive clauses of the Licensing Bill having been apparently condemned and rejected, it would seem that this generation are utterly averse to being kept in the paths of sobriety by Act of Parliament. The British and most of the Colonial Parliaments have long been trying to initiate some measure to stem the increasing tide of intemperance ; but, so far, no enactment has been produced to meet the case, to enhance the public good, or even to suit the views of any particular "public." Holding tolerably broad views on the subject of stimulants, 1 cannot agree with those weak-headed or weak-minded individuals who apparently consider "a quiet nip" or a "glass of bitter" as synonymous with intoxication, and who would therefore incontinently close all hotels, and, at one fell swoop, punish the temperate man and the "frightfulexample." But fortunately it has been discovered that the useful institution known as the liberty of the subject intervenes, and thus, hitherto, the hydropathic philosophers have been worsted in the fight. I am inclined to think, however, that the deference paid to the said "liberty" by Governments generally is too great, especially in the present instance. If the grog-selling interest is proved to be the real evil, the State has surely the right and would be justified in imposing restrictions. John Stuart Mill, in his Essay on Liberty, promulgates this opinion,—and where could we find a better authority? However, apart from legislative interference, or that of an extreme sect who would "rob a poor man of his beer," if the lessening of the number of publichouses would conduce to the decrease of intemperance, there is an easy method of accomplishing the feat, which could be clone thusly. Suppose a community, we will say in a gold-fields town, which has passed from the feverish state of a new rush, and has settled down into steady and businesslike habits, should discover* that the number of licensed houses, which was tolerated or in fact necessary during the bustling early days, was now in excess of its requirements : assuming, of course, that such community are fully imbued with the ideas of Permissive Bill advocates, —of increased prosperity and a decrease of crime and poverty, &c., consequent on a diminution of the number of whisky mills : on this supposition, I say, I would recommend the aforesaid community to meet in solemn conclave, and, having decided that for the public good some of their Bonifaces must turn to more virtuous paths for their future livelihood, or seek "fresh fields and pastures new," proceed to elect by ballot those they wish to retain as caterers for the public comfort and drouth, and pledge themselves to support these and these only. There is the scheme ; a little arbitrary, but very simple : I fancy it would fulfil the mission of the Permissive Bill, without interfering with the politician's bugbear, '' liberty of the subject." After all, the people themselves are the best judges of their own requirements, and if the number of public houses is as extravagant as some of our representatives would make out, the above plan would effectually settle the matter. Victorians are, ] notice, slightly ahead of us in this business. I read the other clay that a petition from a number of inhabitants of a certain place caused the Bench to refuse to grant a license for an additional pub.; so that, really, they ajmear to have a certain permissive power in such matters. Ido not know if the New Zealand Licensing Act contains any such proviso ; if not, its addition would be an improvement. At present, I believe licenses are granted on the advice and information of the police ; but, you know, without intending any insinuation, as a knowing friend of mine remarks, the police are but human, and may be " squared." If people choose to partake of the numerous refreshers vended under the head of alcoholic poisons, in common justice they ought to be allowed to limit the number ®f their toxicologists. I saw an article from a philanthropic writer in a contemporary, who advocates the establishment of Inebriate Retreats for the reclamation of confirmed drunkards. I think a little severe legislation on the subject would have a more salutary and less expensive effect. Institute a Drunkard's or Black Book in each police-office, and therein enter the names, accompanied with a personal description, of all the devotees of Bacchus who are charged with having overstepped the bounds of discretion. For the first offence, fine them say 10s. ; for the second, £1; and for the third and last time, £5, or three months' imprisonment. After this, if any publican in the district supplied the unfortunate with liquor, fine him, and that there may be no excuse, let the "Black Book" be open to the inspection of all licensees. A rbitrary again, your readers may exclaim ; but let me tell them that dangerous disorders require strong remedies. Doubtless old soakers would find ways and means of obtaining a " wee drap," but it must be admitted the difficulties would be enhanced, and possibly these, or the shame attendant on discovery, might have a deterrent effect. From the earliest ages there have been, and probably to the end of time there will continue to be, lushingtons ; for did not Byron write: Man, being reasonable, must get drunk : The best of life is but intoxication, &c. The evil appears to be inevitable in spite of Father Matthew, J. B. Gough, or Mr Fox ; but I think if publicans made it their aim to vend good wholesome liquors, and paid greater attention to respectability in the conduct of their houces, greater temperance might be induced, and this is all we can venture to hope for in this go-ahead and feverish age.