DRUNKENNESS ON TRAINS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 79, 1 April 1908, Page 8

DRUNKENNESS ON TRAINS.

<To the Editor.) Sir, —The picture painted by Mr. T. A. Williams in your issue of the 28th inst., is one to be deplored, and, in my opinion the community should be grateful to Mr. Williams for the exposure. Let mc, however in this accompany Mr. Williams on Ms eventful journey, and look into matters with him. To do so, of course we must begin by leaving Epsom for Onehunga to join the steamer there, and having joined the vessel we find ourselves as soon as we leave the wharf in "A Licensed or Controlled Area," there being a licensed bar on the steamer for the dispensation of alcoholic as well as other liquid refreshments. Mr. Williams makes no comment upon what took place on the passage from Onehunga to New Plymouth, so it may be reasonably inferred that everything was in order, and therefore no comment necessary. In due course we arrive at New Plymouth, board the train, and then we find ourselves in a "No-License" or uncontrolled area. Perhaps Mr. Williams is not aware of the fact that all railway premises, conveyances, and conveniences were, a few years back created "No-License," or, so far as the use of alcoholic liquor is concerned, "Uncontrolled Areas," and it is not often that a. Baptist minister can, to use a common phrase, get into the know, and experience what can and does happen in the no-license areas under existing conditions, but in this case lie has apparently seen for himself that, under such conditions, men and youths can, do, and will buy large instead of small quantities, bottles instead of glasses, and then use the coil ents in a no-license area in a manner that would not be tolerated for one moment if it were known in properly regulated licensed premises,—l am, etc., 7, & PALMER, Licensee Edmbiirgh. Castle Hotel.