THE COMPENSATION PRINCIPLE.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 213, 9 August 1878, Page 2

THE COMPENSATION PRINCIPLE.

In the year 1850 John Black and John White, two neighbours, applied for license. Although there was no fault to fitd either with the men, or their premises, Black's request was " granted" and White's refused. After making a lot of money, Black sold his goodwill for thousands,' and retired, but has for some years drawn LSO a year of rent extra on account of tho license ; whereas White has had to take LlO less rent, because of his nearness to Black's. As every license is granted for " one year, no long-er," (these were the express words used by direction of the Act of Parliament, in every license certificate). White had repeatedly applied for license, but in vain. He is told too many licenses are not for the public-good. White says, ." Then put Black out and let me in — turn about is fair play." They replied, " No, but if the license be discontinued, you must he taxed to help to pay " compensation " to Black ; Publicans and their landlords must not sutler loss — whoever else does." Reader, don't you think White has been pretty well taxed already ? Would not it be ftnver to tax Black to help to make up White'sloao? Licenses, if required at all, should not be granted by favour, but auctioned to tho highest bidder, and all holderslheld responsible for the consequences by civil action. We should, however, al. be healthier, wealthier, and happier if Strong Drink were prohibited, and Public Houses without the Drink setbp in their place. t