THE NO-LICENSE PARTY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXII, Issue 6583, 30 May 1905, Page 2

THE NO-LICENSE PARTY.

TO'THE EDITOR. Sib,—Some two months ago I read an account in your columns of che intention of the Ashburton No-License Couucil to demise BOina scheme to proviclo social recreation to replace the social element that was credited to exist in Ashburton during the time of the open bars. Awakening from a state of lethargy into which it fell immediately after the vote of the electors of Ashburton closed the public houses, this august body entirely ignored its promises to endeavour to oopularise young men's clubs, and to generally assist in providing recreation that would tend to convince the public, especially the young men, that tha hotel bar was not at all a necessary means of supplying a few hours enjoyment. What has this body done in contributing towards the promotion of sports and social clubs ? Absolutely nothing ! Yet when election time draws near they hold out an alluring bait with, what it would appear, a motive to again hoodwink the electors. [ If I read your report correctly a Bubeomraittee was appointed over two months ago by the No-License Council to draw up a report on wajs and means of providing social recreation, but in keeping with the inactivity already displayed by the main body, the sab-committee has not shown the slightest intention, as far as the public know, of carrying out the duties entrusted to it, Ashburton, during the past twelve months, whether by the removal of the open bar or otherwise, has, from a commercial point of view, taken a retrogressive step. There is no animation in business, neither does there appear to be any likelihood of things brightening. Tiewing the state of affairs from a recreative standpoint, the progress of the place generally is even more unfavourably defined, The racing and trotting clubs cannot run meetings-to pay; our two cycling and pedestrian olub3 are practically defunct—all for the laok of public support. The only pastime in Ashburton that appears to find favour at the hands of a large section of the community is something that can be had for nothing. Any recreative body, no matter how worthy, that requires the production of the "almighty dollar" is not patronised, and in the meantime we are a dead and alive oommunity, allowing ourselves to be gulled into a condition of mock morality by a few " swallow-tailed coat gentlemen," who have, so far, signally failed to either carry out their promises or to contribute one iota towards the progress of the community.—l am, etc., No Extremist.