LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD'S FIRST REPORT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2659, 3 January 1916, Page 7

LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD'S FIRST REPORT

THE SCHEDULED AREAS LESS DRINKING AND INCREASED EFFICIENCY, "There lias 'been a considerable diminution in the number of both the pro-, secutions and the convictions for drunkenness," said Lord D'Abemon, the chairman of tho Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), m tile lirst report to the Minister of Munitions on the work of that body, wliiclf was issued on November 'iIU. He remarks, however, that the conclusions' pointed to by tho information obtained must necessarily be regarded as provisional, owing to the short duration of the experience. The prosecutions for drunkenness ; n the first eight areas scheduled in England and Wales, on ail average of the four weeks before the commencement of the order in each area, amounted to 734 per week. This figure, calculated for a period of four weeks for each area subsequent to the commencement of the orders for the respective areas, has fallen to 417, a decrease of over 40 per cent. The corresponding figures for the first two areas scheduled dn Scotland aro 695 and 585. Detailed returns received from some areas show that of persons charged some have more than 100 previous convictions. many more than 50, and a considerable proportion more than 20. The uselessness of applying fine and imprisonment to cases of this character with a view to their reform requires no demonstration. It is also probable that in such cases little amelioration can be effected through the available methods of restriction. The Board is of opinion that inquiry and research Alight usefully bo made with a view to discovering some method of treatment giving better.hope of effective cure.,. Abundant Evidence of Less Drinking. In addition to these figures for pro- 1 secutions for drunkenness, to . which, remarks Lord D'Abemon, "undue importance .should not be attacliod," there is abundant evidence that drinking has diminished in many, of the areas. Many witnesses,_ speaking of their own areas, mention improved public order, a better condition in tho streets, and an improved condition of the children; and the .Board have received evidence that money ivliich was formerly spent in excessive drinking is now either deposited in savings banks or used to improve the h')me. An interesting corroboration of tlio improvement in general conditions is the fact reported by observers that the general trade of tho scheduled areas lias been particularly good in articles commonly required by _ tho working classes, the inference being that the trades which cater for these requirements have profited by a diversion of purchasing power. The report recalls the Conference ot Chief Constables from areas scheduled in England and Wales held in September, at which the unanimous opinion was expressed that better order and behaviour had prevailed generally since the coming into force of tho board's orders, and that this result was due particularly to the prohibition of "treating" and ot credit sales, and to tho restriction ot hours. The same views have been expressed by a number of Chief Constables m areas scheduled in Scotland. These initial results augur well for the future, though it would bo Tash to assert at this stage (adds the report) that all tlio improvement obtained will bo permanent. Efleots in the Harbour Cities. With regard to the efficiency of worKmen and the increase of output, somo time is required before an opinion can properly ha expressed. Up to the pre- ' ; sent few reports have v been received • from firms engaged in the manufacture i of munitions. Time-keeping appears i better in certain areas, and from all i areas reports havo been received indicat--1 ing an improved conditoin of the men | coming to -work in the morning. Re- [ ports from the harbour cities state that great improvement in working conditions ] has resulted 4rom the board's action. Drunkenness among sailors, firemen, and dock labourers has diminished, crews signed on are more sober, and ships are able to get away with much less delay. In some areas difficulties, or even disturbances, wci-3 anticipated as not unlikely to follow the enforcement of restrictions so drastic as those imposed. It is therefore satisfactory to be able to report that the orders have taken effect with But little friction, and without any breach of public order. The board incline to the view that excessive drinking may often be traced to tho want of adequate facilities for ' food, refreshment, and recreation, par- ' ticulariy in conjunction with long hours ' and overtime. The improvement of pub--1 lie-houses, and the provision of canteens, may therefore do much to rendor less necessary tho imposition of purely rc- , fitrictivc measures. Tho board are accordingly encouraging by all the means in their powor the efforts which are being made, whether by employers, l.y public-spirited voluntary societies, or by other bodies interested, to improve the conditions under which adequate facilities for food and drink can be secured in munition and transport areas. Owii.'g to the great variety of local circumstances, tlio problem is one of much complexity and difficulty, and it would he premature at present to make any detailed -report upon it. The hoard, however, are not without liopo that by means of carefully considered action and efficient organisa- . tion valuable results may be obtained. : In all fourteen areas have been . scheduled, and the report- states that ■ the board are making inquiry at- the in- ' stance of the naval or military authon- ' lies, or of the- Ministry of Munition's, ! into certain other districts which are of I particular importance from the pniut ot , view of- the suwnsalul prosecution oi' tho .wai.