THE TEMEPERANCE HOTEL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2678, 6 November 1882, Page 3

THE TEMEPERANCE HOTEL.

To the Editor of the Globe. Sir, —The Temperance, or Metropolitan Hotel, in Cashcl street, has been erected partly for the purpose of giving the temporate portion of the community a place where they might spend an hour any evening away from the influence of intoxicating drinks. I would 'like to see many more erections of a similar sort, although not similarly conducted. To induce the public to take up shares for the above-mentioned use, the'shares were made at £1 each, so that the shares would be in the reach of the poorest man that wished to spend .£1 in the cause of temperance. Directors were appointed to look after the interests of the shareholders. Whether they are energetic in that direction is more than I can tell; but, to my mind, there is a screw loose somewhere. The large room that people passed through en route to the billiard-room has been closed, boarders and others have now to find the billiard-room by way of the yard or from Bedford Bow. This room is rented by some Young Men's Association for the handsome sum of twelve shillings per week, gas included, and often left in a very questionable plight. While this room was open, the billiard-room was better attended, because it led to the billiard-room. Besides, a set of very respectable men, both young and old, was in the habit of playing a simple game of whist or cribbage, and at the finish of their game used to indulge in coffee or cigars, often giving the room a revenue of 10s a night or more. When this room was closed against them they had recourse to the front rooms of the house, where they played their game and drank coffee. A few evenings since a set requested the use of the cards, when they were met by a demand of one shilling per hour as well as paying for their refreshments at the end of every game. I may mention, en passant, the time would be about 8 p.m., and all those large and commodious rooms in front were empty and in utter darkness, except one gas burner that was simply glimmering. The set of whist players was introduced to the smoking - room, under contract one shilling per hour, and, of course, shutting out the boarders from the smoking-room, which is set apart for their convenience. In writing the above I do not wish to infer blame to any one in particular, but, considering the flourish of trumpets and the design with which it was opened, I consider the hotel to be almost public property. Yours, &c, A SHAREHOLDER.