The Globe. MONDAY, JUNE 11, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 924, 11 June 1877, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, JUNE 11, 1877.

We are somewhat surprised that the last licensing meeting should have passed over without reference to a subject of vital importance, to which we have called attention more than once. We allude to the very large increase in the sale of bad liquor. Cases crop up day after day which point to the necessity of more stringent steps being taken to check this evil. The time has now arrived when a thorough and complete inspection of the various bars in this city is imperative. Much of the crime and lunacy taking place amongst us, is to he traced to the adulterated liquor vended, and yet no steps are taken to check it. We had hoped that the Licensing Bench would have made some reference to the matter, hut as they have not done so, we once more urge upon the Government the importance of taking action. One or two examples made and the rest will he deterred, but while they can vend the vile rubbish they do under the name of spirits with impunity, so long will our gaols and lunatic asylums have no lack of tenants.

There is another matter, also, which requires strict investigation at the hands of the Licensing Bench. We allude to the number of drunken men who are constantly to he seen about the streets on Sundays. This morning no fewer than six men were charged with rolling about the streets drunk yesterday, to the annoyance of persons going to church, and the Magistrate asked whether the publicans who supplied these men with liquor could not he traced, very properly characterising the nuisance as a scandalous one.

The residents of Christchurch and district have, we think, reason to he proud of the collection, illustrative of the arts and sciences, noAV being exhibited at the Museum. Got together, as the various objects have been, at a very short notice, it is almost incredible that in a small place such as this ifjlj; there could exist so many valuable TSTorks of art. The success which has ’’attended the efforts of the promoters, suggests the idea that such exhibitions should be held more frequently than they have been. he large crowd which visited the Museum on Saturday evening and during yesterday, proves that the general public are deeply interested in the exhibits. >\part from the innocent pleasure which such collections afford, we are but repeating the merest commonplace, when we say that exhibitions of works of art, and scientific apparatus are means of education. All cannot afford to possess themselves of valuable pictures, but those who have them, can give pleasure to their fellow-citizens by lending them at intervals for public exhibition. The progress of science could also bo practically illustrated, and a spirit of inquiry stimulated amongst all classes, which would bring about valuable results. We are aware that the getting up of such exhibitions is attended with much trouble and expense, and it is not always easy to find a room fitted for the purpose. A new wing of the Museum is not opened every day, and when once that building is filled with specimens, it cannot be utilized for the exhibition of works_ of art. But at any rate something might be learned from the experience of the last few days. If the Museum building were lighted up, say once a week, and thrown open to the public, a pleasant resort would bo made available, and a valuable means of education brought within the reach of all.

Poultry Show. —There was a large attendance on Saturday, both morning and evening, at the Skating Rink, and after seven o’clock members of the committee wore kept busy delivering the art union prizes to the fortunate winners. Shortly after five o’clock the Governor, accompanied by the Hon. C. C. Bowen, arrived at the rink, and was received by Mr R. W. Fereday, president, and Mr (i. A. Reade. Hi? Excellency went carefulh through the various classes, the pigeons being especially admired, and before leaving expressed himself very much pleased with the excellence of the exhibits, and said it was the best show of the kind he had yet seen in the colonies. This exhibition has been altogether the most successful the society has yet had, and the aggregate attendance larger than at any of those held previously,