LICENSING ELECTIONS.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6368, 16 February 1886, Page 3

LICENSING ELECTIONS.

TO THB KDITOB OT THX PRBBS. Sib, —I have been absent in the North Island for a few days, and was much disappointed on my return to find that there was to be a contest for the seats on the Licensing Committees of the four Christchurch dUtricte. When the present Committee consented to be nominated for the ensuing year they were under the impression that, as a Committee, they were acceptable both to the temperance party and to the licensed victuallers. They were nominated last year on 'the personal request of representatives of both bodies, and they had no reason to suppose that this year they would be leas acceptable to either body. It would appear, however, that in this they have been mistaken, and that by one body amongst the ratepayers they must be regarded, to a very considerable extent, as leaning rather to the side of their opponents. In this I think they hardly receive their due. Their endeavor has been so to administer the licensing law as to provide adequately for the due requirements of the public, and at the same time to deal justly and fairly by a body of men who are exposed to very considerable risks. They protest against being regarded as representatives of one' class in the community rather than another. Their only desire has been to serve the public, showing favor to none, but, according to the best of their judgment, dealing justice to all. The public must give their verdict upon the question; but on one point I would beg to appeal specially to them. May I venture to express the hope that whoever the ratepayers may elect, they will elect the same five men for each of the Christchnrch districts. The administration of one law ought certainly, in the public interest, to be the same within the limits of one city.— Tours, 4c

B. J. S. TUkmaw, Member of Licensing Committee,