ANTI-SHOUTING.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 4 September 1916, Page 2

ANTI-SHOUTING.

“JIMMY WOODSER.” SOME HOTELS LOSE 50 PER CENT. OF BUSINESS. The “Jimmy Woodser” business went on in the city on Monday in connection with the new anti-shouting law in a languid form. Regular habitues of hotels did it, though they did not like it. But it was a matter of compulsion. If from force of habit they attempted to “shout” they were promptly called to order by the barmaids, who collected their sixpences, then smiled as usual. But it was a somewhat more forced smile than formerly. There is no doubt that there has been less drinking in Wellington hotels during the last few days. Som e licensed victuallers have been hard hit, and it is gravely asserted that if the i “Jimmy Woodser” habit does not grow more quickly certain hotelkoepcis in consequence of the financial obligations which they have entered into will soon be in sore straits. The business of some has suffered under the law to the extent of 50 per cent. Taking the hotels all round the average loss of custom through shouting not being allowed may be put down at 25 per cent.

Th e irritation and inconvenience of the new law are so well understood that they need not be dwelt upon. While the licensees arc suffering loss the bartenders ar e subjected to considerable annoyance in trying to honestly conform to the new conditions. Old customers who come in pairs and trios arc very much offended in many cases when their indivilual sixpences are demanded. Some instances have occurred where clients have purposely presented large notes in payment, and the supply ing of change to each customer has occasioned much work at the cash re-

gister. There is no doubt that everybody concerned has been made supremely uncomfortable by “ Jimmy Woodser,” being elevated to the dignity of a statute necessity. —“N,Z. Times.”