AIRPORT LIQUOR LICENCE

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28983, 26 August 1959, Page 18

AIRPORT LIQUOR LICENCE

Methodists Express

Concern

A resolution against the proposed liquor licence- for the Christchurch Airport will be sent to the Methodist Conference from the North Canterbury District Annual Methodist Synod. The Synod was of the opinion that the granting of a licence would be a serious retrograde step. The resolution was presented by the Rev. H. G. Brown on behalf of the temperance committee and strongly objected to the appearance on any form of public transport of facilities for the sale or consumption of alcohol. “Believing that the present regulations which aim to keep our transport system free from the sale or consumption of alcoholic liquor are in the best interests of the travelling public, the Synod views with deep concern the application for a liquor licence at the Christchurch Airport.’’ the resolution reads. "It is convinced that the granting of such a licence would be a serious retrograde step in that it would be a precedent for the granting of other such licences and would open the way for the consumption of liquor in other transport services.”

The move concerned only a part of the travelling public at [present, said the chairman of the Synod (the Rev. V. R. Jamieson). ["Grant this application and it 'will not be long before other secitions of the travelling public with (equal justification will ask for similar facilities.” he thought. Whatever arguments were employed to procure the licence the i result would be a catering for the general public more than for the travellers. [ There was one "ray of hope.” I however, according tc Mr Jamieson. The excessive indulgence of alcohol is the working man’s greatest curse—it kept him in chains. “No Labour Government with the interests of the working man at heart should pass legislation which will be detrimental to the working man’s well-being,” he said.