NO-LICENSE IN ASHBURTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3043, 13 November 1908, Page 5

NO-LICENSE IN ASHBURTON.

A FAILURE MORALLY, SOCIALLY AND FINANCIALLY.

TRADE SUBSTANTIALLY DECREASED.

SLY GROG-SELLING RAMPANT.'

AN UNPREJUDICED OPINION.

To the Editor "N.Z. Times."

Sir, —"The License Question" is now the all-absorbing topic, and during an extended visit to the North Island, I have bjen repeatedly asked as to its effects in Ashburton where No-License has existed for over five years.

Having been in business there for nearly nine years, I have no hesitation in stating it is a failure both morally, socially and financially. As you are doubtless aware it is the centre of a large and wealthy farming community, and was, under License, one of the finest inland towns in the Dominion, being backed up by all classes, who were proud of their town and the weekly or biweekly visits of the farmers, their wives, families and employees (within a radius of twenty-six miles), who purchased their household requirements, were a considerable source of revenue to the numerous small retailers, who thus shared in the general prosperity. Accommodation was good, and geniality reinged, but now a different state of affairo rules under NoLicense. Now the town is carefully avoided except by those who are compelled to transact business there. Farm labourers and others who, after a spell in the country, were in the habit of spending a holiday in the town and replenishing their stock of clothing, etc.j now visit other places, and in many instances Ashburton benefits only to the extent of a packet of cigarettes. Accommodation is, as a rule, of an inferior description, and as boardinghouses are under no supervision whatever, no effort is made to make visitors comfortable, and women and children are scarcely tolerated.

Commercial travellers, too, complain bitterly of the falling-off of trade, and I state without fear of contradiction, I'HAT THE MAJORITY OF RETAIL BUSINESSES ARE NOW, AND HAVE BEEN, IN THE MARKET FOR A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD, which in itself proves the disastrous results and the extent No-License has affected that particular class. ;

Again, in 1903 the town was mainly responsiUe for the drastic change, but in 1906 it reversed the votes by over one thousand, another proof of the failure. NO-LICENSE DOES NOT PROHIBIT THE USE OF LIQUOR, BUT ENCOURAGES ITS CONSUMPTION by practically granting a bottle license to all classes irrespective of age or sex, and the Parliamentary returns of liquor introduced into Ashburton in wholesale quantities in conformity with the law (out-side-of the quart of spirits or one gallon of beer per diem) represents a huge sum of money expended'outside of the town. SLY GROG-SELLING IS RAMPANT AND LIQUOR OF INFERIOR QUALITY IS DISPENSED.

From a financial point of view it is detrimental to retailers especially, and encourages monopolies by inducing large limited liability companies to extend their branches and swallow up small institutions. ' A floating population is the mainstay of any town and requires encouragement, as the local spending power is only normal, and extras are derived from the visitors, who demand and enjoy good accommodation and freedom to eat or drink what they please without feeling as if the latter were stolen.

I Icbow a youth wso is now twenty years of age whD has fumed cut a confirmed drunkard, and another of fifteen years who was arrested for helpless drunkenness. A young man of well-to-do people, convicted for theft, admitted being under the influence, and was not aware of what he had done. There are instances too numerous to mention in detail of those who were not in the habit of frequenting hotels, but who now neglect their homes and businesses owing to. the numerous temptations placed in their way which did not exist under the open bar. In making this statement. I have not attempted to paint or distort, but have given a true and faithful account of what I know to be correct. —1 am, etc., J. W. MALCOLMSON, Late Manager Fairfield Freezing Works, Ashburton. Wellington, November 10th ? 1908.*