THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1882. MIDNIGHT LICENSES.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2608, 16 August 1882, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1882. MIDNIGHT LICENSES.

The time is now rapidly approaching when the Licensing Committees will have to consider again any applications that may ha made to them for extension of licenses from 10 p.m. to midnight. As onr readers are probably aware, the Committees are, nnder the Act as at present framed, shut np to these two hours. No one, however much he might desire it, can get an eleven o’clock license. Could this be arranged we feel certain that not one licensed victualler would care to apply for a midnight license. But this cannot bo, and we have simply to deal with law as we find it. Several extensions have been granted, aad the Committees have, to tha best of their ability, selected the honses in each district. We are not going to blame them for the way in which they have discharged this very onerous duty. But we wish to call attention to tha fact that by restricting the number they virtually have created a monopoly, putting some £4OO or £SOO a-year into the pockets of the fortunate recipients of the favor of a twelve o’clock license at the expense of the unfortunate one who has to close at 10 p.m. Besides this, it must be remembered that a ten o’clock license and a midnight one held by two different

hotels in close proximity means a redueon in the selling value of the property in one case, and an increase in the other. ■Wow, we contend that this is by far too great a power to be placed in the hands o any body of men, and where wo do blame the Licensing Committees is, that <L e y, decline to accept the respon—eibiiity and decide to grant midnight licenses to all who chose to apply for , em ’, r ’ a king a still more extreme step, decline to grant any, and compel all houses in Christchurch to close at ten o clock. Dealing with the first proposition, the argument that such a step wouldcause more drunkenness will not hold water. The granting of one, or even two “ district, will afford just as much facilities for men who desire to obtain drink at a late hour, as the permitting half-a-dozen to sell to midnight. The real fact is that midnight licenses are not required at all, and both the public and the licensed victuallers would ho quite satisfied with the old hour of eleven o’clock. But it is far too much to grant one or two the exclusive monopoly for two hours each night to the detriment of others. Either all should close at eleven, or failing the obtaining of an amendment in the Act to that extent, then the Committees should either be prepared to grant midnight licenses to all, or make all shut at ten o clock. The Act itself is of such a nature as to be a safeguard against the privilege given in the first instance being abased, and then all would stand on an equal footing. Wo hope the Committees prior to their September meeting will carefully consider the question we have

raised. The law at the time these extensions were granted was untried in this respect. The gentlemen composing the Committees could not be expected to foresee that when it came into actual work, the privilege they were granting meant a valuable monopoly to one or two at the expense of a number. They must, however, now be aware of that fact; they must have gathered from actual experience how unjust and unfair the selection of one or two houses is, and thus knowing, we take it that it is their duty, so far as is possible, to remedy tho wrong they unwittingly have done. We have pointed out two courses by whieh, as it appears to us, this desirable end may be attained—which one in their wisdom they will adopt, wo know not; bat in fairness and justice they cannot perpetuate the monopoly which for three months has been in the hands of a few fortunate individuals. THB GARFIELD MEMORIAL. When the news was flashed all over the world that President Garfield had been struck down by the hand of an assassin, universal and widespread sympathy prevailed, irrespective of creed, nation, or color. This was deepened when the sad end came, and few can remember without a feeling of pride the womanly condolence with a grief-stricken sister sent by the Queen to Mrs. Garfield. In another portion of the paper to-day we publish an appeal from the American Secretary of State on behalf of a memorial which it is proposed to erect to tho memory of President Garfield. The mode selected for the purpose is one which will commend itself to all, being the erection of a hospital for the relief of suffering, and we commend the broad basis upon which it is proposed to found the institution. It is to be for no exclusive nationality, creed, or color. All alike will receive the benefits of kindly help andj ministration. To quote the admirable words of the appeal—words whieh deserve to be written in letters of gold—“To be a sufferer in need of help will ho the only passport required to enter its doors and secure its aid.’* Wore such an institution proposed to bo erected on such a basis in the capital of autocratic Russia, the sympathies of our common humanity should be aroused. How much more so when it will ha reared in the midst of a nation of free men, free by their own indomitable love of liberty, and as a memorial to such a man as James A. Garfield. We feel sure that so soon as Mr. Taylor, the American Counsul here, has arranged for the receipt of contributions, our citizens, one and all, whatever may be the flag they hail under, will give freely to such a noble object.