IS NO-LICENSE SUCCESSFUL?

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 144, 9 June 1908, Page 2

IS NO-LICENSE SUCCESSFUL?

GORE'S EXPERIENCE. I QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED. Per Press Association, Gore, Last Night. !' The following correspondence has passed 'between the Mataura United Temperance Council and the Mayor of Gorci His Worship the Mayor of Gore.— Dear Sir,—l have been instructed hy 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:—(l) Has the carrying of nolicense had a detrimental effect on the value of property in Gore? (2) What; is the state of the public ordert (3) Has the moral tone of the community improved? (4) Do you consider the restoration of licenses would be in the best interests of the community? (5) Caii jon recommend the adoption of no-license by other electorates r—E, C. Smith, secretary United Council. ' May 29th, 1908.-E. C. Smith, Esq.. secretary United Temperance Council. Dear Sir,—l have to acknowledge receipt of yours of 28th inst., and I am answering the questions in the order they are • asked:—(l) The town has been more prosperous not because of no-license but siuiujy owing to the general prosperity that has existed and the closing of th» 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 qu«,tions, 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 he a retrograde movement because while no-license does not ' stops drunkenness it assists it material- ■ ly, and restoration of licenses would he a great disaster to the whole community; (5) yes; I believe it is in the best interests of the people generally.—Yours truly,—Arch. A. MaeGibbon, Mayor." "Having read the questions submitted , to Ins Worship the Mayor and his answers thereto, we arc prepared to cor. roborate his answers as being suhstahtially correct-R, J. Christie!, Adam Speden, John B. Paterson, J. M. Barron* William Baker, Chas. J. Burrows, D. Robertson, E. C. Smith, and J. MacGibhon, councillors." '