PROHIBITION POLL

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1928, Page 4

PROHIBITION POLL

RESULT AND AFTERMATH. bkkorm in new south wales. SYDNEY, September 6. Now that the public of New South Wales have had their very definite say on the matter of Prohibition, and have rejected the proposal by a huge vote, of about five to two, it seems that the issue will disappear from the realm Of practical politics for a generation.. The public have determined that the made-in-America brands of moral and social “uplift” are not greatly to bo desired. On the other hand it seems clear that the samo public wants reform of the liquor traffic, reform that will lead to greater sobriety and temperance without the dangers, which observers say, are associated with Prohibition introduced in one fell swoop. Gradual reform, they say, is what is desirable. The Government is to tactic the problem and one of the suggested changes is an alteration of the hours of trading. At present the bars are open : from (i a.m. until (i p.m., and it has I been proposed that they should bo nl-1 lowed to remain open between 7 a.m. I and 7 p.m., or between 8 a.m. and 8 1 p.m. Another suggestdo change is in re- ] s|>oot of the granting of licenses. The present system by which application is | nade to the Licensing Hoard, it is con- | sidercd, is hardly equitable. For in- j stance, the norsons who are successful i

ill llieii' application are really presen ted with a free gift worth from .£!(!'' to perhaps 1*20,000. Many person! consider that when it is decided to give a district an additional license all cornel's should have an opportunity of bidding for the valuable right to trade. Interesting, also, is the suggested licensing of barmaids. There are many who hold the view that the bar is not the proper place for a woman and also that there are evils associated with their employment behind the bar. They consider that the women already earning their livelihood in bars should not be penalised, hut that they should ,1)0 licensed, and that no further women should he allowed to accept such employment. Gradually, barmaids would cease to exist. It would be a vital alteration of existing conditions if the Government heeded the voice of some reformers who advocate a reduction in the alcoholic content of liquors. However, the Government will decide the matter, and whichever way they determine it may bo assured that there will bo a storm of protest from one ‘section or another. Yet the public as a whole seem to want reform, but, in addition, the vote is clear that an overwhelming majority of citizens al-e determined to decide for themselves what they shall drink rather than have that tlflcided by other* i