THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 503, 25 September 1912, Page 5

THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

DISCUSSED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL.

PUBLIC MEETING TO BE CALLED. The present unsatisfactory state of things in respect to the liquor traffic in the district was the subject of a motion by Cr Forsyth at [the Borough Council meeting last night, and the ensuing discussion was of interest as conveying an idea of public opinion on the subjelct. The motion was in the direction of requesting that a revision be made of the laws affecting the liquor traffic of the district with a view to inaugurating municipal control. The mover stated it was apparent to all that a most undesirable state of things existed, and it was their duty to endeavour to effect a remedy. A great amount of liquor was coming into the district, for which a great amount of money went out. The district was helping to build up adjoining towns in a license area, and was getting no return. Cr Lusk supported the motion. He said he had always favoured some form of State control. No one would advocate giving a license to a private individual, but there was a fine opportunity to give State control a trial. He suggested any revenue from the traffic should be devoted to hospital purposes. Crs Walsh and Floyd opposed the motion and deprecated any interference with the existing laws.

The Mayor and Crs Falwasser, Young and Tammadge agreed with the principle of the motion, but differed as to the steps which should be taken in the matter. An amendment was proposed by Cr Falwasser and Cr Lusk that the matter be discussed at the public meeting shortly to be called in respect to tne loan proposals, with a view to passing a resolution and forwarding same to the Government.

The amendment was supported by those present and Cr Forsyth said he would withdraw his motion in favour of the amendment. The purpose for which the motion was proposed was served when the matter was discussed. He trusted the subject would be well dealt with by the public meeting as an alteration was badly wanted. The amendment, which then became the motion, was carried unanimously.