THE LICENSING QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 195, 19 June 1903, Page 4

THE LICENSING QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR. ' Sm,—The above matter has reached an interesting stage, and its further development will be awaited with keen anticipation. The quietude of our town has been rudely intruded upon by the surging agitation which has taken place in other centres of population in the colony, and the people as well as those whose financial interests are involved in the liquor trade may right at once make up their minds that New Plymouth must fall into line with public opinion on this question. At the last local option polling there was an unmistakeable expression of opinion that seme measure of restriction of the trade in stroDg drink was required. Some districts went solidly against liquor; others went as far as a reduction vote; and yet again, others were content to continue as at present. Some of the latter, however, were desirous of securing 10 o'clock closing, and sub-

sequently elected committees to carry out the public will on the matter. New Plymouth was amongst the latter category. Of course, it could hardly be expected that those whose money is in the trade would appreciate the decisions of the committee. But why should there be all this fuss? The homsesare for the public convenience, and the public through the committee say it does not require facility for getting liquor after 10, and this should be sufficient on that point. There is a refreshing coolness in the correspondence you have already published. Just fancy, the committee being summoned on the lines indicated therein, to hear legal argument. I am very glad the committee showed its independence, and gave the communication the short shrift it deserved. The licensed victuallers are being badly advised in their tactics. It is not.the committee they

have to fight, but -public opinion. In this little skirmish liquor baa been badly beaten and it would be well if theie in the trade took their beating like Britishers. A prominent liquor dealer premised the Sydenham Prohibitionists at their first successful election, three years litigation. ■ He fulfilled his promise and has been met with more than ten years agitation, the end of which is not yet, and which has proved infinitely more expensive than the litigation. The law courts give little satisfaction when brought into | conflict with enlightened public [opinion. The safety of the trade in liquor is not in legal proceedings but in reform of the flagrant abuses which have became part of the business. That reform must come from within, and it those who have fiaancial interest in. the trade wish to conserve their position those abuses mußt be removed by themselves. I think the traders in liquor in New Plymouth have been let down very lightly by the decisions of the committee.—l am, etc., Refcbm.