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Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 972, 19 August 1903, Page 1

The Premier does not want to perpetuate the injustice under which the Trade labors, but at the same time he shrinks from offending the prohibitionists (says the licensed Victuallers’ Gazette). He seeks a refuge from the importunities of both in a policy of inaction. That is really what it all comes to. The position would not be so bad if there were something like equality in the positions of the respective parties. But there is not. The iprohibitionists have all to gain and the Trade has all to lose as the law presently stands. The former have ,it in their power to harass the latter in various ways, and it is' their openly expressed intention to make the Trade disreputable. Against this insidious method of attack the Trade representatives who recently assembled at Wellington have determined to make the fullest use of the weapons within their reach. They have agreed to still further organise and to do their utmost to win the sympathy of moderate men by strictly observing the law—harsh as it iB in many respects—-and by endeavouring to exolude from their ranks all undesirable persons.