THE LICENSE LAW.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1925, Page 4

THE LICENSE LAW.

A MAGISTATE'.S COMMENT. ASHBURTON. Sept. 11. ‘ Years ago he was a decent respecttble man. but he got off the rails and ins been going on steadily getting worse ever since. Now lie can’t help himself. Whisky is much a necessitv for his continued existence as bread s to the average man.” These words wore used bv Mr. Is. D. Moslov. S V M.. in sentencing James Oliver Scott to tluee months' hard labour for keeping iquor for sale in Ashburton. “I'm sorry for Scott and T am satisfied that if he goes on like this much longer he will have fo go to number Government institution. In fact 1 am not sure I should not have him examined now.” Continuing, Mr Mosley said: “Tbl icensing Act for this country wants remodelling. ft doesn’t apply t". modern reuiiirements and some remodelling is needed fo make il belter for t'o’s enunlry. It will be a dillienlf task Inti it must be done. and. tile sooner the better. Power should be entrusted io the Court for dealing with cases like tliis. \Yifh Scott, it is n disease, and it is impossible for the punishment of this Court to have the effect, of stopping it. Creatin' discretion should I: ■ given to tin' Court. “This siy-grog business has be,- mho verv determined,” said Sentor-Seret. Mat hieson. ”\Ye have romplaiils frmi dances and -socials that Scott can he found outside t’w doors dropping bottles and selling to youths under age. These people have liee.u driven out ol : lie'r homes to sell litiiiod. and they plaid i' ab-iiit here and i •■ere. VYoco von buv a bottle ton are alwavs l"H ('■is is the last ninl i here is only one i bailee in a Inindred of <,aw-hiiig them. Since tliis iii.iu was released from gaol in t'Vbrusrv he lias not done one bines! day’s work, hut- ha. assisted bis brother in tliis pefarinos I a-ine-s.” Scull protested at this, deu-.iim I’m charges, and ti.riling to ibo Hioii-n. msaid: “Give me a month ill gaol three months, the maximum, and I'll 1 urn right when ! come out." flis Worship said he did not think Scot t i apable of keeping his promise*. Inii sent him to gaol for three months, remarking: “If this was a. licensed town ii would lie a lot better lor this class of man. lie wouldn't have the :-.:i.me inducement, to drink.”