The Licensing Law.

Manawatu Herald, 21 June 1892, Page 2

The Licensing Law.

«. TheJ'ost in a leader last week say.? :— lt is not'going too far to assert as a general conclusion that the system of elective Licensing . Committees has hopelessly broken down. Most of the effects resulting from it have been evil rather than good. The licensing power has in the majority, of cases fallen into the handi of men unfitted to exercise it judiciously or with ad^antaga to the public. In some places the publicans' friends have secured a majority while in others power rests in the hands of zealous .Prohibitionists. Tho public interests .are generally sacrificed in either .case, ,Com« mitteemen take a party, or .partizMi,; view of their duties, ; instead of ..en-' deavouring to discharge them in a purely judicial Bpirit. That they should do so is an almost necessary result of the mode of their election. They are placed on the Committee not to administer justice in an impartial manner without fear, favor or affection, but to watch the interests of the Party which has selected them to represent it. No oath or declaration impressing upon them tho judicial character of their position is required ftom Committeemen, and they go from the poll to the Bench pledged to effect certain ob • jeefcii, quite regardless, of the; jiature of the evidence which may be brought before them, 'the wishe3 ; . oi U the majority of the ratepayers; tyjio sejit them there are their guide, not! tjhv -.-. evidence ot witnesses .or .any .cbp-'' sideration of the abstract, justice of the cases which come before them. It is impossible that such a system can work fairly or satisfactorily.