MO-LICENSE IN GORE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 396, 11 June 1908, Page 3

MO-LICENSE IN GORE.

Gore, Monday.

The following correspondence has passed between the Mataura United Temperance Council and the Mayor of Gore : ” Gore, May 28th, 1908. His Worship the Mayor, Gore. Dear Sir, —I have been instructed by the executive of the Mataura United Temperance Council to ask you if you would give an expression of opinion as to the effect of No-license on the borough of Gore. To assist you in so doing, the council suggests the following questions for your consideration and answer :

” 1. Has the carrying of Nolicense had a detrimental effect on the value of property in Gore ? ” 2. What is the state of public order ?

“,3. Has the moral tone of the community improved ? •‘ 4. Do you consider the restoration 01 licenses would be in the best interests of the community ?

‘‘ 5. Can you recommend the adoption or No-license by other electorates ?

“ E C. Smith, secretary United Temperance Council.” “ May 29th, 190 S. E. C. Smith, Secretary United Temperance Council, Dear Sir, —I have to acknowledge receipt of yours of 28th instant, and I am answering the questions in the order they are asked. “1. The town has been more prosperous, not because of Nolicense, but*simply owing to the general prosperity that has existed ; and the closing of the licensed houses has in no way retarded or is likely to affect the prosperity of the town.

‘‘ 2 and 3. I cannot express any definite opinion upon these questions, as I have no records before me, and would refer you to the police reports. At the same time there is less apparent drunkenness, and, generally speaking, I believe the town is in a very satisfactory condition.

‘‘4. There is no probability of licenses being restored, and such would be a retrograde movement, because, while No-license does not stop drunkenness, it assists very materially, and restoration of licenses would be a great disaster to the whole community.

‘‘ 5. Yes. I believe it is in the best interests of the people generally. Yours truly, Arch Macgibbon, Mayor.” “Having read the questions submitted to His Worship the Mayor and his answers thereto, we are prepared to corroborate his answers as being substantially correct. —R. J. Christie, A. Speden, John B. Paterson, J. M. Barron, William Baker, Chas. J. Burrows, D. Robertson, E. C. Smith, J. Macgibbon, councillors.”