The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23,1884.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4721, 23 February 1884, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23,1884.

What would appear to be an unnecessary agitation, is being worked up in connection with the coming elections of Committees in the Thames districts, in compliance with the provisions of the existent Licensing Act. A: feeling, healthy and wholesome, in regard to such law, doubtless exists ;■■ and for the sake of amity we would deprecate any movement, either on one side or the other, which would giro rise to bitterness or antagonism in forming opinions regarding this question. That the Licensing laws hare been framed for the benefit of the people generaly—the travelling public particulary—-is a matter outside of argument. That hotels must exist is beyond question. Their proper regulation is the disputed point; and the many abuses of the power placed in the hands of licensees aro the cause of the frequently recurring troubles, which so often surround the honest publican. The efforts beiDg made by the advocates of the temperance cause are, in every way praiseworthy, but the members of that body should consider many things in dealing with the question. We will give them every credit for having in view the benefit of mankind, and admit that their enthusiasm is commendable, and—as they have no personal interest to serve—deserving of all praise; but, we would point out that the existence of well regulated hostelries is a necessity for a migratory population, and were such conveniences not within reach of a travelling people here, their non-existence would seriously retard the business of the district. The regulation of the present houses, we presume, should be the first consideration of any reform likely to take place in administering the Act, and no matter how zealous the ne-r Licensing Commissioners may be, they cannot go outside the provisions of the Act. Therefore it is the duty of each district to elect as its representatives men who are likely to honestly and fairly carry out the provisions of the Act, and, irrespective of personal feelings, conscientiously fulfil the

responsible and important trust reposed