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Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1922, Page 2

The licensing poll in Westland reveals a substantial alteration in the voting as against the previous poll of 1919. Here are the comparative figures for the two polls:

The poll increased by 959 valid votes and on the total poll continuance showed ail increase of 857 votes. The voting strength of national continuance was a clear three-fifths majority of the total poll, and showed a net increase of about four per cent. A result such as that quoted is a very decisive expression of public opinion, and it is clear that so. far as this district is concerned the retention of license is very firmly established. The national poll is going to he a substantial victory for continuance, and Westland will contribute a very substantial quota to the verdict. The result, wo maintain. is in keeping with a- very sensible view of the position. It is impossible to regard the progress of prohibition in the United States wtliout a feeling of thankfulness flint New Zeeland lias escaped from such a fatal blunder. On tho general question we cannot but feci that this attempted lino of action to secure so-called prohibition as a remedy for the liquor traffic is entirely on wrong lines. The most useful course to our way of thinking would he to go hack to first principles and advocate ns in tho days of yore, temperance. Tt is the reasonable wav to educate the growing mind. Prohibition is an invasion of personal liberty and success at the best could only !>e partial, and in fact, creative of evils worse than tho drink itself. The Westland verdict seems to our mind to 1 n founded on such conclusions and we are not surprised at it being so emphatic. Tt would appear that the people have viewed the subject in the right national spirit leading up to the greatest good for flip greatest number and attaining that goal the decision reaches the highest ideal of democratic government.

Tub breaking-up of the local State School on Wednesday was the occasion of an interesting ceremony made memorable for the inetersting account given by the Rector for the scholastic success of tlio year’s work. Good re-1' - have been achieved again, and previous records broken. M ich credit is due to the stall', and something must lie said also of the application of the pupils. The parents while they will he pleased at the good results will feel that the reports given out as to the progress of the school are really very meagre. The cause for this does not lie with the staff or the committee, but rather with the Education Roard. which maintains a. star chamber attitude in regard to school reports which is not in keeping with public requirements. The education system now costs many millions, and the public have a right to know more about the progress of the schools than those directing education permit to make public. In times past it was the custom to hand to the press the inspector’s reports, and that was a very sound practice, being for the advantage of all eoncerVied. Tlio report is tho nature of nn auditor’s certificate indicating to what extent tho requirements of the Act are being fulfilled. The report- is a safeguard is it iq a guarantee for the feacher.

It is not unreasonable that this first hand information should he regarded as public property, and he available for publication. It is a reform greatly needed in the interests of all concerned. The local school committee has advocated the publication of the reports in the past, and it would be to The advantage of all to see that agitation revived. The good account of the school’s achievements which the Rector was able to make known on Wednesday afternoon was very pleasing to hear. The past record of the school has been enhanced and F’o achievement will be greatly appreciated by all well wishers of the school.

f ssue 1019 1922 Continuance ... 9901 4768 State Control ... 400 229 Prohibition .... 2468 2721 Valid Votes ... 6869 7818