THE DRY LAW

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1930, Page 6

THE DRY LAW

“SPEAKEASY” MEN’S REVEI - RATIONS [United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.] NEW YORK. March 39 The “New York] World” lias Presented the results of a poll taken among [the ‘“Speakeasy’’ /operators, which showed them to be overwhelmingly in favour of the modification on the' repeal of Prohibition laws.. The principal reason offered was the operators’ problem of graft expenditures, also tbe exploitation by Die authorities, and the extortion by the police of tbe Federal agents. The next most important reasons advanced are a—First, the hazard due to tile, possibility of. official raids: second,’.'.-the fear of bold-ups by gunmen,;! who-.know the victims will not complain to the police; .third, the fear .of “padlock” proceedings, fourth, tho higher rentals; fifth, the non-paying customers, such as the police: sixth, the social stigma placed upon the “Speakeasy” owner and family; and seventh, the loss of high class patronage du « ••'> home delivery. The .opinion virtually of all those questioned seemed to be expressed by one operator who states: “Sure. lam for repeal! My last payment' to the • p.olice. will take me two months.to make up!”