LIQUOR IN THE ISLANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1455, 16 May 1905, Page 4

LIQUOR IN THE ISLANDS.

NEW LAW IN FORCE.

The liquor law as regards the Cook and other Islands as laid down in the Licensing Act Amendment Act, 1904, of New Zealand has now been put into force, and the following official notification has been published (writes the Raratonga cor--1 respondent of the Auckland Star, under date May sth:— 11 The sale of liquor (including wine) is now prohibited in these islands, whether by Government or traders ; provided that liquor may be sold by the Government for the following purposes, viz : Arts and manufactures, medicinal, religious, or scientific purposes* Liquor may be imported by private persons for their own use through the Government, all imports of liquor being consigned to the Collector of Customs.”

The sale or gift of liquor to natives or Ohinamon is prohibited, and tho drinking or making of native or bush beer (made from bananas, oranges, or pine apples) is made illegal. However, the natives are finding a way to satisfy their craving for intoxioating liquor, and that is by drinking Florida water, which at 5s per small bottle can be purchased Rt some of the stores. In addition to this many natives save their money for a trip to Tahiti, where they can spend a few weeks in the full enjoyment of unlimited liquor. Drunkenness amongst any of the European residents of the Cook Islands is now, fortunately, of very rare ocourreneo.