Untitled

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 February 1912, Page 2

LIQUOR TRAFFIC REFORM, Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., whose work as Chairman of the Wanganui Licensing Committee is a matter of history, and who is known to have since then taken a very keen interest in the Liquor Traffic question, has in hand a scheme, the main object of. which is the thorough and satisfactory control of the sale of liquor; also securing the manufacture, under proper supervision, of wholesale and unadulterated wines, beer, sphits, etc. Moreover, Mr Kettle is apparently convinced that his scheme is a perfectly practical one, which can be easily instituted, and in accordance with honest administration, will revolutionise the traffic, reduce drunkenness to a minimum, and prove to be entirely beneficial to all interested classes of the community. The Magistrate, in question, refuses at the present juncture, to make any disclosure of the principles embodying his scheme, but has asserted that eventually it will be submitted complete in every detail. In dealing with this widely controversial subject, and which if brought down to bedrock analysis, really means the limitless controlling of all licensed premises; we would point out that although the scheme may be in a certain degree new to this Dominion, such is the reverse in re*spect of the public houses throughout London and Glasgow—the second city of tho Empire. In the latter great rendezvous of commerco, the " open bar " comes under a very strict foim of municipal control, while a similar modus operandi is in vogue Avith regard to the Metropolis. In view of Mr Kettle's proposals, as previously outlinod, wo may remark that in tho places to which we have referrod, a publican's '• lot is not a happy one." For example, he nevor knows when a merciless member of tho " Inspecting Analyst's " staff will appear upon the scene, and who, subsequent to calling for a drink in the most casual manner possible, thereafter will calmly intro" duce himself and take possession of the premises until he is satisfied that all liquors are " true- to label," If otherwise, tho sequel assumes a sei'ious aspect to those concerned. MiKettle, however, goes a step farther, and alludes to the control of the manufacture of liquor as boing a unit of his scheme. We think that it is high time something was done to eradicate the system termed " adulteration" of intoxicating beverages, and doubtless were this evil suppressed, there would be less convictions for inebrity in our Police Courts and fewer deaths recorded from alcoholic poisoning.