REPLY TO MR MACKRELL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 421, 21 May 1902, Page 3

REPLY TO MR MACKRELL.

(To the Editor of tho Times.)

Sir, —I have read Mr Mackrell’s letter — that is, I have waded through tho abuse in search of the argument, but there was not any. It appears to me that it was after God had issued a prohibition order against Adam that he sinned, but I do not presume to question Mr M., who is a theologian of note, and whose preaching is still fresh in the memory of Gisbornites, even though it was a little rough on the pubs. Mr Machrell alters ono word, and then admits that it amounts to about the same thing. They were not “compelled ” to build, they were only “ asked.” Then, what is all the fuss about ? If a man is only asked, I presume he has the right to decline. But were they asked to provide increased accommodation for selling

liquor, or increased accommodation for travellers ? The Licensing Committee has no power to license a grog-shop. It must first be proved that accommodation is required, and, secondly, that it must be provided before a lioense is granted to selL liquor. Where was it ever hinted by the Licensing Committee that the bar was not large enough for the men who wanted to buy liquor ? The new houses in Gisborne were built to meet an increased demand for accommodation. Take the drink traffic out of them, and they will bo more suitable for the purpose. I heard the Bev. W. Beady preach on Sunday evening, and I agree with him that the remark made at the same dinner to the effect that a liquor-seller oould >■ retire in three years ” reveals a monster iniquity. It ought to open some eyes at loast. As Mr Ready pertinently asked, “ Where is the working man who can. retire in three years’?” Finally, your correspondent wants to know why I dragged Mr Lysnar’s name in. .It is because he is the acknowledged champion of the liquor party. W T hat I want to know is what the selling of liquor has to do with all these fine dining-rooms and bedrooms, anyway? Does prohibition prohibit the menu of the dining-room '? Is it opposed to blankets, and pillows, and mattrasses? A fool can answer these questions. “No License ” no more touches them than it does the baker. My i* dry powder ”is by no means exhausted, but, for the present, I must remain, etc., Liberty.