A PUBLIC-HOUSE INSPECTOR.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2554, 15 June 1882, Page 3

A PUBLIC-HOUSE INSPECTOR.

To the Editor of the Globe. Si R) —The letter read on Monday evening at the' City Council meeting re the appointment of an inapeotor of licensed premises, was the occasion of suoh an exhibition of bad taste on the part of those Councillors immediately interested, as to cal\ for something more than a mere passing notic3. Mr Harman, S 3 chairman of several Licensing Committees In and around Christ ohnich, wrote to the City Council, informing them of the Intention of the Licensing Com missioners to appoint an inspector of publichouses (in accordance with clause 176 of the Licensing Act of 1881), and requesting the Council to signify their consent to pay that officer's salary. After a b> ief explanation from the Mayor, Councillor Biorns (a publican) rose and •ppoaed the application. ;.Couroillor Louisson (brewer or publican) supported Councillor Hiornß in his opposition. A little later on I find Councillor Vincent (Oity Brewery)

figuring In the discussion. Now. apart altogether from the main question at issue, the indelicate and questionable conduct of tho three councillors just referred to stands out in glaring colors. One would naturally have expected that the dictates of good taste would have prompted their speedy retirement from the Council Chamber whilst the letter was under consideration. As a matter of fact, however, they stayed, and before any of the disinterested councillors had had time to offar an opinion or move a resolution the great liquor interest must first

ba heard. They were heard ; and the inference to be drawn from their remarks is that the publicans prefer darkness to lightsecrecy to inspection. No wonder then that the righteous soul ot Councillor Hulbert was stirred within him at such an exhibition ; no wonder that the suave mannered Councillor Ayers felt constrained to reproach Councillor Hlorns for his conduct in the matter; and no wonder that the citizens are beginning to eLqaire concerning the presence of so many of the publioan element.ln the present Council. Before the next meeting of the Council takes place I shall doubtless have an opportunity of placing such reasons before your readers In support of the appointment of an inspeotor as will open the eyes of the Impartial and disinterested members of the Council to the necessity that exists for having such an officer appointed, yours, &c, SPBRO MBLIORA. June 13th, 1882.