EXTENSION OF DRINKING HOURS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5202, 9 December 1895, Page 3

EXTENSION OF DRINKING HOURS.

[TO THE EDITOR.] Sir,—Although tho chairman of the Licensing Committeodistinctly stated that the only justifiable reason for an extension of the hours at Ekctahuna was the convenience of the public, yet this argument had not a feather's weight with ono of the members, The only prevailing consideration with him was tho matter of revenue, Is Mr Bright so blind to the moral aspects of the case that, in his view, the question of a few

extra pounds per annum atones for k the evils of extended hours of drinkf ing ? If so, thou he declares himself absolutely unfit to sit on a . Licensing Bench, What are wo to think of the judicial capacity of the five men who voted for the extension ? A licensee—and the voice of an interested person ought never to have been heard at all—stated that tho coach arrived at Ekefahuna nt 9.30 or 10 p.m.—a statement flatly contradicted by the constable. The licenses further stated that it was optional on the publican, whether lie served refreshments after ten o'clock, when he knew perfectly well that his house and every other public house is open every hour of the night to ionu jide travellers, and no liceuseo dare refuse admission nor refreshments to all such. In the face of the constable's evidonce that it would be detrimental to the wellbeing of tho public, to keep open till 11 o'clock, and that such exteniion would be no convenience, a majority of the Committee granted the publicans' request! What aro we to think of the majority ? They are mere tools and vassals of the liquor trade, who go to these Quarterly Licensing Meetings, with prejudiced minds, determined to trample i down any evidence which the police find others may offer, and in this way advance the interests of the trade. The Chairman, and Messrs Daniell Bud Chamberlain, deserve the congratulation of the moral section of tho community, for their manly stand against this infamous evil.—Tours, etc., John Dukes.