CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2155, 2 April 1908, Page 1

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence on public matter is welcomed at all tiinos, but it must bo .‘distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the! opinions of its correspondents.] DRUNKENNESS IN, GISBORNE. [To inn Editor.] Sir, —Your leader ro the need of a eitizens’ league for this town may or may not ibe justified. I am a stranger hero and cannot speak with any know[edgh’of the. matter. But I have seen enough to convince me that yon do requiro a “Citizen’s Reform" League” in Gisborne similar to that existing in Hobart, for example; a league which shall work in the direction if removing your unenviable notoriety in the matter of drunkenness, and guard the interests of the young men who are so neglected on the moral side of life. As a visitor from England, I 'have been astonished by die fact that alien who drink heavily lore are regarded as being not in my way to bk'me, hut rather an ‘jolly good fellows,” whilst it is regarded as no disgrace for even >roll in ent citizens .and professional ion :o bo seen in the bars of hotels durng business horn’s, treating and Long treated to drinks. Such doings voiild, in England, be rapidly fatal :o a man’s business career. The faciities for drinking, and the public :ondoning of the custom of drinking n Gisborne will go far to destroy die otherwise bright prospects of four young men. Your conditions ’or drunkenness in the police court iro only .in cases of extreme incalacity or offonsiveness, whilst drunion men are to be seen at all n.wirs if the day. outnumbering the connoted cases by a large majority; I un sure that a considerable waste of lea-lth, domestic happiness, and wa;es is" going on daily in Gisborne. Eorm a Citizen’s Reform League lo' ook after this matter; whatever ctier league you establish!—l am. etc., < “VISITOR.”