SYDENHAM LICENSING QUESTION.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1640, 23 May 1879, Page 3

SYDENHAM LICENSING QUESTION.

To the Editor of the Globe, “ Veritas odium parit.” Sib,—Will you kindly allow mo space to say a few words regarding the last meeting (n the above question, which, through noise and confusion, terminated so abruptly. The placards announcing a meeting to be held at the schoolroom, chair to bo taken at 7.30 p.m., to consider the protest of previous meeting re granting new licenses in Sydenham, was the work of myself and other ratepayers (names can bo obtained), who waited upon the chairman of School Committee, and latterly obtained his sanction to hold it. Some few hours before the time appointed small handbills were issued by gentlemen connected with the Temperance League calling a meet ing at the same place and nearly the same time, thereby creating a clash and obstruction. I consider the same was an insult to those who were promoters of the meeting, called with a view of bringing bona-fide ratepayers and residents together to discuss the question, and the protest of the meeting held previous. But it seems true that some are mean and low enough for any trick available. The Mayor, who acted partially the whole evening, was asked to adjourn the meeting to the City Hall, but would not comply with the request. The outside movement was fatal to the interests of the resolution. The gentleman that was near the door calling out Impossible! Impossible ! and connected with a religions body in our midst, is the person who has some time been the means of causing strife and party feeling through the above question. Rumor hath it that he has apologised already to a burgess for interfering with his right of opinion as a ratepayer. Doubtless if he kept to his pulpit and religious duties he would do more good than by tampering with a question which has now become a political one. As a lover of fair play and no tyrannical reforms. Yours, &c., JOHN W. SMITH, Sandridge. May 23rd, 1879.