The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1879.

Kumara Times, Issue 865, 9 July 1879, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1879.

A CORRESPONDENT whose letter appears in another column very pertinently points out the disadvantages the bona-fide publican labors under in regard to what he characteristically terms “ the sly grog nuisance.” Although to a certain extent agreeing with the ideas as shadowed forth by our correspondent, we must take exception to the introductory remarks of his communication, inasmueh as they are grounded on suspicion only. The memorial presented by the Good Templars at the last sitting of the Licensing Court, instead of being a howling” petition against publicans generally, was—and presumably we imagine unintentionally—in their favour, as by requesting the Bench to grant no new licenses they restricted the trade to those houses which have pieviously been legally licensed. Looking at the question, however, in a broad sense of view, it can but be regarded not only as one of the greatest social evils, but also strongly detrimental to the interests generally of the licensed and legitimate trader. The penalties and stringent regulations under which those carrying on business as licensed publicans are subject to in accordance with the law, are necessarily enforced to secure the convenience and comfort of the public at large, but at the same time it appears a monstrous injustice that those who are strictly compelled to comply with the Licensing Act should not be protected from the innovations made on their business by one of the greatest pests of society—the sly grog seller. The non-suppression of this illegal and detestable trade is mairly owing to the fact that to secuiv a conviction it becomes necessary to

prove the sale of spirituous liquors, and to efi.'ct this object witnesses are re quired who, however C ignisuU of the sale, are unwilling to te'tify to that effect on the grounds they may be tei mod common informers. To obviato ohis most objectionable difficulty we

would suggest the formation of a Licensed Victuallers’ Association, which as a body could grapple with this question in a maimer whereby, without incurring public odium, they might ellect if not the total annihilation, the partial suppression of a trade as injurious to their interests, as it is degrading to those engaged in its transaction.