The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1880.

Kumara Times, Issue 1142, 27 May 1880, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1880.

Under the nom de plume of “Wallaby ” a correspondent drew attention a short time ago to what he considered the inefficiency of the local police force as revenue officers. After referring to

the extraordinary number of unlicensed houses that exist in this township, “ Wallaby ” said :—“ No one need aff‘‘ct to suppose that the police are not well acquainted with every unlicensed house, as well as with the characters of their occupiers, and it is a monstrous and a crying shame that the man who pays £3O or £4O a year for his lieense, and further, is compelled to keep a respectable house, pay for servants, light, ing &c., and moreover, be at all times under strict police surveillance, should have to contend against what may be called a system of legalised robbery, for it amounts to nothing else. We all know that is a very invidious thing for any one man to turn informer, and the publicans as a body do not appear to wish to do so. How, then, are they to be protected, except by the paid informers, who are no other than the police themselves ? Perhaps these officials have some vested interests in the present anomalous state of affairs; and if so, they are not likely to enforce the laws. But it is the bounden duty of the Government to see their own laws carried out, or replace the present inefficient police force by more active, zealous and impartial officers.” That the police are well acquainted with every unlicensed house as also with the occupiers there is not the scintilla of a doubt j but at the same time it must be remembered that this fact alone is not sufficient to secure the conviction of those who offend against the law by an illegitimate liquor trade. “ How,” asks “ Wallaby,” “ are the publicans to be protected except by the paid informers, who are no other than the police themselves ?” This to our mind is taking an extreme view of the duties of the police force, as although they are the guardians of law and order and are bound officially to take cognisance of any infiiugmeut of the laws of the colony that may come under their notice, it was never for one moment contemplated that one of the every day duties of a constable should consist in his discarding his uniform and disguising himself for the purpose of suppressing sly grog-selling. While, however, admitting that under certain circumstances this course of action may be absolutely necessary, we contend that it cannot be lookedon as establishing a precedent. As to the insinuation made by “Wallaby” against the police force of laxity of duty on account of vested interests in the evil complained of, we have not the least hesitation in saying that it is as groundless and unfounded as an assertion would be that the members of the police force were the occupiers and owners of all the illicit ‘‘whisky shanties” in this town. Turning to the real matter at issue, and one in which we heartily coincide with our correspondent, the protection of those who at a heavy expense maintain respectable licensed houses for the accommodation of the general public, the question naturally arises, By what means can this protection be best insured'? Looking at the whole subject in its various aspects, it appeal’s to us that if a bond of unity were established among the licensed victuallers of this town in, the form of an association, this would be the most effectual and satisfactory manner of dealing with the question of the illicit liquor traffic referred to by otir correspondent “Wallaby.” We are well aware that there is a natural lepugnance felt by anyone in taking individual action in the suppression of this evil, on the grounds they are at once characterised as common informers. Were a licensed victuallers association formed in this town, it could cope with the injustice inflicted on the trade by takiug action as a body in all cases where an infiingement was made on its rights aud privileges, without incurring that odium which attaches itself to a private individual under similar circumstances. In justice to the members of the local police force, who as civil servants are debarred from the right of reply to “Wallaby’s” communication, we can but boar testimony to their zeal and efficiency, knowing well that in many instances that have come under tur

notice, they have endeavoured by every means in their power to eradicate from our riiidht the subject matter of our correspondent’s letter—sly grog “ shanties.”