BOTTLE LICENSES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 153, 27 May 1884, Page 2

BOTTLE LICENSES.

Alluding to the grocer's bottle licenses, the Melbourne Temperance Neios says : — " Wliea the promised amendment of the Licensing Ant takes place, a resolute endeavor should bo made to abolish the grocer's license, which lias proved a fruitful source, and probably the chief cause, of the increase of drinking habits among; women in the middle classes of society in Victoria, as it has in England. Physicians of repute state tliat drunkenness has in - creased among females to an alarming extent since grocers .vere permitted to become semi-publicans. A lady will pause and ponder well before satisfying a new-born love for strong drink if to do so it is necessary that she shall enter a publichouse. This barrier is removed by the grocer's license ) she hesitates no longer — 'tis so easy, so natural, to go shopping, and when ordering tea, sugar, tfcc, to order at the same time a supply of that which exercises such an irresistible fascination over its votaries and which becomes more and more a necessity every day it is indulged. Probably most husbands in their good-natured consideration do not care to go into particulars about the bills for domestic requiraients, and thus never see the items in their grocers' account. They are content to pay, and though the thought may occur that groceries are dear, little imagine that bottles of brandy, wine, or beer, swell the amount to a large extent."