The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1916.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1605, 2 September 1916, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1916.

PRESS reports throughout the Dominion point to the fact that the abolition of “shouting" has considerably lessened drinking, ami publicans in metropolitan centres report that their takings show a considerable falling off. The Licensed Victuallers’ Association and licensees appear to be determined .to carry out the law in connection with anti-shonling. They realise that any convictions against them for a breach of the anti-shouting clause will put a nail in the coffin of the Trade. In the opinion of many in the Trade the abolition of “shouting” is going to be more drastic than (5 o'clock closing would have been. The observance*of the law is, of course, a matter of honour, and many who previously indulged in the custom of “shouting’ will not now lend themselves to a criminal act. In the opinion of a large number of so-called moderates, the “shouting” abolition is the forerunner of State control of the liquor tratlic. We are. not able to say whether the anti-shouting law will make much difference to the country hotel bar trade. “Shouting" is a senseless and wasteful custom, and on the whole its abolition is welcomed.