STATE CONTROL OF LIQUOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 136, 30 November 1911, Page 6

STATE CONTROL OF LIQUOR.

To the Editor. Sir,—ln Russia, Gothenburg (Sweden) and Gwalia (Western Australia), the State sells the liquor in Government saloons or depots. The State hotel at Gwalia, W.A., cost the Government £9440, and the net profit for eight years is £8758. The manager gets £6OO a year and the barmen £4 a week. In New Zealand the State runs railways, coal mines, sawmills, insurance offices, etc.; it also Dwns Rotorua, and Why should it not conduct the liquor trade? In my opinion, a clause should be put in the present Act which would permit that if any no-license district voted for restoration of licenses the 'State only should open liquor depots. It may be new to many that if your district carries no-license it will mean partial State control, as you can have liquor sent in daily, up to. a certain quantity . I urge that every elector to vote no-license in order that the ground may be cleared for State control. No-license will not hurt your district; in fact, you will like it, and it will be better for your children. This is my experience after occasional visits to my late home town, Masterton. Recollect, reader, that this may be your last vote, as on an average electors of New Zealand only vote 15 times, th'en death (vide "Expectation of Life" chart in New Zealand Official Year Book).—I am, etc., S. PEARSON. 253 Cube St., Wellington.