INCREASE OF DRUNKENNESS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 113, 10 June 1909, Page 3

INCREASE OF DRUNKENNESS.

A LYTTELTON REPORT. .By Telegraph—Press Association. " 4 Christchurch, Last Night. At the annual meeting of the Lyttelton licensing Committee tile police reported a marked increase in drunkenness during the past six months. They were not prepared to state that any particular iiouse was responsible, but the increase was so marked that it was quite evident that licensees were not so particular as they should be or had lieen in tne conduct of their houses. Tli chairman (Mr. Bishop, S.M.), un oelialf of the committee, remarked that it was a curious fact that tile increase had taken place during h period winclt fitted in with the time of taking the local option poll. He urged licensees to |>"t their houses in order, ami to instruct employees not to supply liquor to tnose unfit to receive it.

Mr. Hohan, who appeared lor the j Trade, said licensees regretted very jnuch that there had been an incrcuse in drunkenness, but during the past few months there had been a great increase shipping, which has contributed to that state of affairs, He mentioned that t'lie licensees had .discussed tliSrt matter at several meetings, and had decided not to applv for the extension of closing from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. This, he said, should be put to their neuit. Mr. Bishop said he was always prepared to g' ve credit to any decent licensee who was trying to better the condition of tilings,