A BILLIARD-ROOM LICENSE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2174, 2 September 1907, Page 2

A BILLIARD-ROOM LICENSE

LTo Tnu Euxtoii.J

Sir, —In his letter tliafc you published, Mr. Segedin has amply justified the Borough Council’s action in reference to his application. Ho said: “During the day time very few patronise the billiard-room, the main business being done of an evening.” The fact that his business is practically confined to the “evening” is its own condemnation. Any institution that exists merely to entice young men to play games night after night up to 10 o’clock, is a serious menace to home life, and to the highest interests of the community in general, as well as stunting the mental growth and lowering the manhood of the young men themselves. The billiard saloon is not the best training ground for model husbands, keen business men, successful students, and strongly developed moral characters. However, according to bis own letter, Mr. Segedin is concerned only about the personal profit ho is to make out of these young men. Ho complains that he cannot got enough patrons to make his saloon pay, as he can “only accommodate three tables.” Therefore, lie wishes “to instal two more tables.” Thus, Mr. Segeden, from motives of personal interest, aides the Borough Council to give him facilities to enable it larger number of our young men to leave their homes and play their lives away night after night. I am rejoiced that the Borough Council has refused his application. —I am, etc., A LOVER OF YOUNG MEN.