THE POLICE AND THE LICENSING LAW.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 16 July 1907, Page 4

THE POLICE AND THE LICENSING LAW.

Commissioner Dimiie, in liis annual report, recently presented to I’ailiamcnl, says: —The amendment to the licensing Act made in UJO4 making it an olfence to be found on licensed premises after the hours of closing at night or on Sundays has been a great boon, and continues to give lull satisfaction.

Inspector A. J. Mitchell, Invercargill disliict says : —No-license obtained in the Invercargill j licensing District on the ist July last, consequent upon which — (a) breweiy depots were established at Waikiwi, on the margin of the uolicense area, at which youths and men purchased beer in two gallon and five gallon kegs, olten times when not in a lit state to be supplied. It is by no means an uncommon sight to see a number of young fellows collected round a keg entire roadside, or in an adjoining paddock, some of them showing signs of excessive drinking, and yet the police are helpless to control such sales, the vendors being subjected to no restrictions. (b) The locker system came into existence at four establishments here. This system as carried on is, I think, an undoubted evasion of the law. The closing of the open bar materially improved the order and conduct in the streets, and to mg knowledge many homes that formerly knew misery through its existence now enjoy happiness and contentment. At the same time, the consumption of liquor in Southland, as shown in the Customs return, has not decreased. During the nine months ended the 31st March last 78 cases of drunkenness were betore the Inverca; gill Court, and in all cases but one the supply of liqitor was conclusively traced to sources outside the nolicense area —Bluff, bj 7 rail 17 miles; Woodlands, by rail 12 miles ; Wallacetown, by road or rail 5 miles ; and Waikiwi depots, by road 3 miles —so that it will be readily seen the facilities for obtaining liquor are numerous, and prevent no-license receiving a fair trial. During the same period 5 convictions have been recorded for sly-grog selling, resulting in fines totalling ; and, though we have a population of over 13,000, there is no reason to believe that illicit sales of liquor are at .present being carried on to any appreciable extent.