A Reverend Publican.

Manawatu Herald, 17 September 1898, Page 3

A Reverend Publican.

CURIOUS VENTURE IN A WAR-

WICKSHIRE VILLAGE.

Th© Rev. Oabert Mordaunt, rector of Hampton Lucy, Warwickshire, who is known as the " clerical pub Mean," gave the Licensing Com mittee a moct interesting description of the manner in which he carries on a publicbouse on model lines for the benefit of his parishioners. Wben he entered upon the living 22 years ago be discovered that be bad bpcome the sole trustee, under the will of a former rector, of a public-house which bad been c left to the parish. He was naturally much exercised in his mind as to whether it would accord with bis office to carry it on as licensed premises, but feeling that if he closed it someone would open another over which he would not have any control, he decided that it would be better for the parish if he continued to carry it ou. He always attached the greatest importance to the sale of wholesome — pot to say pure — beer, and to the character of the person »ho managed a publichouse. Complaints of adnlUuation were, he believed, fewer to day than 20 years ago, owing to greater care taken in respect of the men pat into the houses. He would not say that there was no drunkenness in hi? village, but there was not so much