LICENSING ELECTIONS.

Waipukurau Press, Issue 29, 16 March 1906, Page 2

LICENSING ELECTIONS.

From the results of the licensing elections that took place on Tuesday all over the country, it is apparent that the wave of temperance enthusiasm has not by any means spent its strength. In a number of districts there were no contests —the old committees being re-elected or replaced by “composite” bodies containing representatives of “the trade ” aud of prohibition in varying proportions ; but, speaking generally, wherever there was a trial of strength, the party of restriction proved to be iu the ascendant. There was in most cases veiy little interest manifested, as the only question at issue was as to whether the hour of closing hotels should be 10 or 11 p.m. W here 10 o’clock closing is the rule the licensed victuallers made practically no effort to secure a reversion of the old order of things—their inaction showing that all concerned have tacitly agreeed to accept the “ status quo.” Taking the elections as a whole, the result is an expression of satisfaction with things as they are (remarks a Wellington paper). The prohibitionist party has, as usual, profited by its superior organisation and enthusiasm. The chief function of the licensing committees is to see that licensed premises are suitable and are conducted in strict accordance with Ihe law; and in the interests of all concerned —even of “the trade” itself —it is well that the vast majority of the committees are composed of gentlemen who have no end to serve save the welfare of the community. The people have expressed their will at the ballot-box, and it is to be presumed that the decision iu favour of early closing of hotels is in accord with the trend of opinion and habit among our population. For Waipawa, three moderates and two prohibitionists were returned—Messrs Baines, Wratt, and Franklin, and Collett and Grant. Mr 0. C. Smith, the Waipukurau candidate, was 6th on the list, and polled highest here, 106. The election might meau the resumption of 11 o’clock license-sand the granting of conditional licenses.