NO-LICENSE DISCUSSED.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10291, 20 July 1911, Page 5

NO-LICENSE DISCUSSED.

ITS EFFECT ON MASTERTON.

A Jriee.tdng of Carterton business men was held.idi the Council Chambers on Tuesday night, to hear and consider the replies of Masterton business men on the No-license question. Twenty-two were present. Mr Feist, Mayor, presided, and introduced the stating that they had not met as License, No-license, or Moderate advocates, but as business anen, to enquire in a businesslike manner into a business matter. A nutmiber of reports of very conflicting natures were circulating in regard to No-license an Masterton, and it was desired to get ia reliafble and direct report from fellow business men in that town. The following questions had been sent to Masterton business men:— (1) What effect has No-license had on your business, if any? (2).. hat effect has Nolicense had on public order and the general moral tone of the community? (3) Would it, in your opinion, be. to (the best interests of ;the town to have licenses restored?

Replies were received from 102 (business and professional men. Regarding the first question, 85 stated that the effect of No-license was favourable to business, four said theeffects were detrimental, and thirteen, was indefinite. , Oati© second, question 97 stated that the effect was distinctly good, three said it was : iu>i goodj' and tfroVreplies-.w<Bye intte-4

finite!. On. th»; third and last question 83 stated that a return to license "would be against the business interests of the town, seven said it would be favourable, and 12 replies were indefinite. Fourteen business firms refused to answer the questions.

After some discussion, the meeting passed the following resolutions:— "This meeting desires to thank-the Masterton .tradespeople for replies to our questions; is satisfied that No-lioonse has improved business and-the moral tone of the town, and commends their verdict to the serious consideration of our own townspeople," 2, "That the replies from Masterton be and forwarded to all business men. throughout the South Wairarapa electorate."