EFFECTS OF NO-LICENSE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3763, 16 April 1907, Page 3

EFFECTS OF NO-LICENSE.

Ashburton Replies to its Critics. Progress all along the Line. Ashburton, April 14. Forty-six business men and firms in Ashburton, “having had it brought to their notice that the borough is at present being much maligned throughout New Zealand, desire, in order to preserve the good name of the town and for the accurate information of those at a distance, to state the following facts which are within their own knowledge as being true in every particular.” They “do not wish to express any opinion upon the vexed question of license or nolicense, but deem it necessary that the exact truth about the condition of the town should be made public in an authorative manner. Their desire in making the statement is to defend Ashburton against careless and reckless assertions, calculated, if uncontradicted, to do harm to the progress and the prosperty of the town.” (1) The growth of the town since 1902 has been steady and uninterrupted. This is shown by the valuations which (in spite of a drop of £xo,ooo in the ratable value of licensed houses since 1903) have increased from ,£22,613 in 1902 to ,£26,679 in 1907. (2) The number of places occupied as business premises has largely increased, and there is not a single shop remaining vacant in the business area.

(3) The annual reports of the local branch of the New Zealand Farmers ’ Co-operative Association, which opened up retail departments in 1902, show that the sales of merchandise have greatly increased, being ,£33,210 in 1902, compared with ,£52,867 in the year ending May 31st, 1906, an increase in volume of £19,657 per annum

(4) The displacement of business shown above would lead an inquirer to expect a decrease elsewhere, particularly as so many new businesses have been opened since 1902. We have, however, been able to maintain, and in many cases largely to increase, our turnover, thus proving conclusively that the total volume of business done in the town has largely increased during the last few years. (5) Ashburton is, in short, in as sound a position commercially to-day as at any period in its history, and any statement which implies otherwise is recklessly contrary to the facts. We have every confidence in the future of the town, and protest against the unfounded rumors which are being so actively circulated.