RANDOM SHOTS

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 52, 2 March 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

RANDOM SHOTS

BY sg MMOEL

Some write, a neighbour's name to lash; Some write-vain thought-for needful Some write to please the country clash. And raise a din. For me, an aim I never fash— I write for fun.

The sly-grog business continues to flourish in the King Country in spite of all the prohibitory legislation and the heavy tines imposed on unlicensed liquor sellers. Another raid was made by the police the other day, and the "temperance" boarding house-keepers and vendors of "hopbeer" are much perturbed in consequence. The penalties inflicted of late on sly grog sellers have been draconic in their severity, but cases of whisky and brandy and hogsheads

of beer still continue to pour into the Rohepotae prohibited area by the Government trains, and a fellow who knows the ropes need never go in want of a glass at Te Kuiti or Otorohanga, or beyond the big tunnel. It is all grist that comes to the Government mill, and the heavy fines inflicted are far more profitable to our colonial exchequer than many hotel license fees. One hears some queer tales concerning the devices resorted to by King Country denizens in order to get liquor on the sly, and t«ie various subterfuges' adopted by illicit traders. Some funny things happen sometimes to the grog in transit. The other day a train was passing through the Poro-o-Tarao tunnel, wjith amongst other merchandise on board a case of whisky. Somehow, it is said, the case of whisky disappeared mysteriously on the trip through the tnnnel, and when the expectant consignee came to get his goods he fotrnd a case of empty bottles had been substituted for it! Of course he couldn't say anything about it to the local policeman; and there were some disappointed navvies round a certain whare that night, disgustedly discussing the evils of prohibition.

The other day the Premier asked the Rev. Mr dittos, who saw him in reference to the Waipiro trade up-country. whether he did not think the Gothenburg system would suit the requirements of the King Country. "Well, it couldn't be any worse than the present system," said the veteran missionary. It is said that -Mr Uittos, who is deeply grieved at the demoralising effects of the liquor traffic, looks on the Gothenburg system, the establishment of State-conducted liquor establishments, as the next best alternative to absolute prohibition. It is rumoured that the King Country Liquor Commission to be set up shortly will be instructed to make special enquiries as to the feasibility of giving the Gothenburg system of liquor-sales a trial in the Rohepotae district. It would be an experiment of great interest, at any rate, and it is morally certain that it would result in good liquor being sold instead of the present indifferent stuff, and in the habitual "boozer" having his supplies curftiilcd. There is one point about these Government-owned liquor-shops that appears to need consideration; that is, that the chief need for liquor is in connection with hotels, and that accommodation for travellers should be pi'ovided in conjunction with the sale of liquor. State-owned hotels would be a- new step Which might very well be given in the King Country, which promises to become a most important and well-settled district.

Tarsons in Auckland seem to s be somewhat like birds of passage,'"here to-day and gone to-morrow." Of course, there are exceptions, such as the worthy Vicar of All Saints', the Vicar of St. Paul's, and last, but notleast, the minister of , St. James' Presbyterian Church, whdse services in each case equal a generation, which is a long period in a new country. In the majority of cases, however, parsons come and parsons go almost as if the Methodist perpetual change system had been adopted by other churches. This week witnessed the Welcome of the Rev. John Wilkins to the Beresford-street Church, and last week was the farewell of the Rev. W. J. Williams at the Pittstreet Wesleyan Church. Mr Wilkins came here fresh from the world's metropolis to take charge of the leading Congregational church of the colony, while Mr Williams bids farewell to Auckland, where he started ministry some 30 years ago. In his farewell service Mr -Williams preached from the singular text, "It is expedient that I go away," and no doubt many whose interests are not with the Prohibitionists, had they been there, would, like the gentleman people so often sing about who lost a chord, have made a sound "like a grand Amen." People, however, whose interests were not continually assailed by Mr Williams' persistent advocacy of prohibition, recognised the sterling worth of the man, even if they did not go the length he did in the temperance question, and consequently regret his departure.

The Britisher's love for a fight was well illustrated at the Remuera tramway concession enquiry this week. After delaying the whole city and suburban tramway scheme for three months the objectors did not put in an appearance, and in spite of the fact that their absence greatly strengthened the case for the Road Board, the upholders of the present agreement were genuinely sorry that they had not an opportunity of fighting it out. The enquiry brought to light some interesting facts. One gentleman addressed the Government in protest against the intended route of the trams, and styled himself "one of the largest property owners in the district." On looking at the ratepayers'

roll if was seen that he was the owner of some eight acres- Then there were a.'number of people who signed the petitions of both parties, and otic man actually signed three. This kind of thing goes to show that petitions are no) so valuable us they are generally supposed to be. To be asked In sign a petition touches many a inaii's vanity, and he is apt to look at the question at issue through the halo of his own importance.

It is wonderful how easy if is for a man to make money if he has the faculty to see the opportunity and act promptly. On the clay when some 40,000 people were packed on the Domain Cricket Ground, for the purpose of seeing the Imperial troops, there was practically nothing to eat or drink; in fact, men were almost walking- round with their tongues hanging out, ready to repeat the prayer of Dives for even a drop of water, albeit they were not quite so uncomfortably situated as was that unfortunate man. Xo doubt many present in the Domain remarked what a grand chance there was to make money, if only one had a stall. They saw the opportunity, but there was one man who both saw it and seized the chance offered. For a small sum he bought the right to supply refreshments of the gentleman who had secured it for the day. The enterprising individual then hurried off and got a- tank of water on a cart. and. purchasing about ?.0/ worth of raspberry syrup, emptied the bottles into the water. By the time he was ready for business, thousands were eager to buy even temperance tipple. Fourpenee per glass was a moderate figure to charge under such circumstances, but all the same before the day was over the enterprising caterer for public requirements had cleared £90, which, to say llie least, was a very good return for a small investment.