INCREASE OF HOTELS IN GISBORNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 100, 7 May 1901, Page 3

INCREASE OF HOTELS IN GISBORNE.

(To the Editor.)

Sib, —Your correspondent “Iconoclast” innocently asks “ Why should we not have freetrade in the liquor as well as any other trade ? ” Because by universal consent, hi all countries the liquor traffic is voted a dangerous animal that must be kept on the chain. He says “ So long as a man is compelled to erect a good substantial building etc.” Now, Sir, this is a free country, and I protest against any man being “compelled” in this way ? Besides, a good substantial building is not needed for the liquor traffic. I have seen a roaring trade done in a shanty of old iron, Bby 10. A few hours after a hotel was burned down and the publican was the only man in a large block who was in business again within twenty-four hours. If a house is needed for the accommodation of travellers, there is no law in the land j to prevont any man embarking his capital in such an enterprise, and running the accommodation business on its! merits. Of course we must admit that this would destroy the present hiding-place of the liquor traffic. Your correspondent talks about the “monopoly ” and then proposes to strengthen it. In conclusion let me suggest that when “ Iconoclast” offers the citizens of Gisborne the benefit of his advice he should give it the weight of his name, and thus save himself from the imputation of being an interested party. After all he might be the individual whom we saw in Gladstone road a few days ago, propping up a wall and offering some sound advice to vacancy in short, “ breathing his sweetness on the desert air.”—l am, etc., B. F. Rotiiwell.