THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1881. A SOCIAL EVIL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2141, 5 January 1881, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1881. A SOCIAL EVIL.

It occasionally happens that an ovil is allowed to grow up in a community, under the rery eyes of those appointed to put down all wrong-doing with the strong hand of the law. The beginning may have been very small, possibly harmless when considered in the abstract, and the growth so gradual as to pass unobserved amid the general progress, especially in young communities. Such an evil, it is to be feared, has been allowed to take root and flourish in this city, and demands the immediate attention of the proper authorities, who, we regret to say, have slept on their watch, in this particular, for a long time past. Either that is so, or they have neglected their obvious duty with a carefulness and assiduity which should have been devoted to a nobler cause. Reference is here made to the administration of the licensing laws, with special regard to certain notorious evils that exist—nay, have almost been fostered—in our midst. It may, perhaps, be said that this is somewhat late in the day to condemn what has so long been a palpable fact, which is, no doubt, the case. But, inasmuch as the necessity for activity in action is genorally estimated by the importance of ' the subject to be dealt with, the voice of public opinion may well be pardoned for tardiness in making itself heard, where constituted authority has apparently discovered no proper cause for alarm. In any case, further delay in this matter would bo no longer excusable, and, therefore, we feel impelled to speak. Without making direct reference to any particular localities, it may bo said that certain hotels in Christchurch are in the daily and nightly habit of breaking the law, and appear to do so with the full cognizanoe of the police. Some instances could be pointed to, more flagrant than others, but a general laxity in the administration of the licensing regulations has been permitted to obtain. Occasionally an effort is made, for the sake of appearances, to assert authority, but even these are too much like angel's visits, few and far between, and produce no lasting impression. With regard to one hotel, of a pretentions exterior, it may confidently be asserted that no other licensed house in the colony is given the same amount of freedom—a freedom which is put to such uses as would furnish a history of immorality most saddening to contemplate. And this " whited-sepulchre" occupies what is technically known as a " good" stand in a public thoroughfare, through which a large amount of the city traffic passes, morning, noon, and night. Yet no attempt has been made to enforce upon the landlord thereof even a seeming compliance with the law established to regulate the conduct of licensed houses. On one occasion, certainly, a melancholy farce was gone through—the police being chief actors, with the assistance of the Licensing Bench —by which the law was supposed to be vindicated, and the proprietor of this house, being fined in a moiety of one night's "takings," proceeded calmly te sin again, in the full confidence, begotten of experience in the past, that he could do so with perfect impunity. To put it plainly, the offence for which the Bench mulcted him was committed the very next night and every night thereafter— not covertly, but in a manner perfectly obvious to any one whose curiosity or business might lead them to the house in question. It is a fact worthy of remark that this and other hotels are haunted by many of the youth of Christchurch at night time, and into the small hours of the morning. We are careful to refrain from any approach to sensational writing on this subject, otherwise it would not be difficult to picture a scene, true in every particular, of a most revolting character, such as may be witnessed at any time for the trouble of seeking in the proper quarters of our town. Let there be no mistake : we are simply referring to wellknown licensed houses, recognised by and established under the law of the land, and not to any haunts of vice which find existence wherever civilisation and shun the light of day. The depravity here referred to, is carried on amid the fumes of alcohol, under the glare of gasjets, whilst the rattle of the dice-box tells its own mournful tale; or in the humid atmosphere of some back room, where human senses are deadened by the insidious poison of adulterated drink, and pockets picked under the security of a lock and key which shuts out the majesty of tho law! " An honest tale speaks bast, being plainly told." And these are facts—most glaring facts, to whose relation, perhaps, sufficient justice has not been done, in our endeavor to tone down an unpleasant subject as much as possible. But one thing seems clear, namely, that the police are in duty bound to redeem themselves by prompt action. It is just possible that the head of the department here may not be aware of the circumstance that most glaring infringements of the Licensing Ordinance are committed day by day, under the very noses of his subordinates. Perhaps such ignorance on his part, if it be so, ought not to be admitted as an excuse. Indeed, we rather think that the subject matter of this article could hardly escape the attention of any Superintendent or Inspector of Police who justly estimated the responsibilities of his position, in which case ho would periodically tako steps to acquaint himself with the actual state of a society whose peace and privilege he is appointed to protect. As the case stands, however, it is needless to inquire too particularly into the measure of blame attached to this person or that. Our object is to see remodial measures instituted, a growing evil up-rooted, and the city cleansed of a perilous influence, which is warping tho mental and physical condition of the rising generation, and demoralising the entire community. In this direction, it is hoped, the above remarks may be productive of some good.