SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1918

Grey River Argus, 7 December 1918, Page 2

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1918

THg LIQUOR QUESTION.

THAT the Licensing Bill now making a speedy passage', through Parliament is no --more than an attempt at a compromise, between parties whose at titudes can hardly bo said to admit of any possible coiriprbhiise; is only too clearly shown by the -uncertainty ex-, istiujv as to the fate of ' the measure. Instead of bringing down a policy measure of its own, .the Government as was" to be expected of a ! coalition, has attempted to : give effect; as far as possible, to tue comflieting demands at

those behind the two big petitions presented to l'a ilia m en t. Parly Governments, however, have -hit-herto invariably done the same thing — they have Jo. lowed in the path of public agitations. Naturally, with the war over, the same course,. is. again being adopted. The proposal of tlie National littieiency Board \vlas purely and simply a svar measure. .The best to be said for persisting with it and holding the proposed poll next April, with out awaiting a genera: e'.ectioii is that the public mind will thus be better prepared later on to deal comprehensiousiy with .Licensing ■ reform, that must in some way, come ere ong. The proposed payment of compensation to the extent of four and a JiaJ' millions to the Trade was decided on 'with the object of securing, without delay, theadoption of prohibition in view of tljo war situation. That factor is now removed. Supposing; therefore, for the sake of argument, that a ■ majority exists in favour of prohibition, a very large section of these people may come to the cons usion not to vote in that direction at the proposed April poli. They may consider that prohibition is to be had more cheaply at the second poll that is proposed, if continuance is carried at the first. Moreover, the ad voeiites of State control, wlio muy.bG in favour of doing away with the present system of private ownership, are not. likely to vole against, that system in April, seeing that they might thus be helping to defeat their own proposal for a solution. That solution would have a chance only if continuance were iirst carried and the second poll on the three issues took place. It is a doubtful advantage that the Government has conferred on the people by mixing the issues in tlu^ manner it has. Instead of preparing public opinion, the present propocais are more ca. culated to lead to confusion. Both The Trade and the Prohibition Party have sought to do the best possible for themselves, and between them they have caused the Government to overlook the position and rights of those who are more or loss neutral on this question, or rather are not disposed to agree with the demands of either side, or even, with the State-controllers. Not all are extremists on this question. Main' identify reform \f*Vi jiirn liquor. Others favour the idea o*. one-inan-one-liceuse, with power in the hands of licensees, as a body, to debar undesirables securing licenses. More think that the system in vogue in Victoria is preferable to that here, the closing of hotels being controlled by a permanent board, and the hotels providing as time goes on for their own compensation. Certainly, under the present, conditions, the Trade is being bled in a -manner .that would mean its reduction to a very considerable extent eve long, if those conditions were to last. Six o'clock closing as a pormaiient institution, as far provided for must mean a very large reduction in the revenue of hotei*. It inav cut

the ground from under the feet of the two parties of extremists, who have been looking at the whole question in the light rf a counting of '-^ads. The Trade has concluded mar the compensation proposal will settle the chances of prohibition at tlie iirst. poll, aud has agreed to take the risk, provided the second poll is such that the risk to the Trade is not. as regards the majority stipulated, nearly so great. The Alliance hopes that, with the bare majority principle, giving it the best prospect of carrying prohibition it is ever likely to get, and the community as a whole providing the inducement I that compensation offers The Trade to accept the bare majority, the concession is well Avorth Avhile offering because if the Alliance wins the day t'bat concession really amounts to no: thing. The hope "of the Alliance is that, given the bare majority principle for this poll, that much discussed prin ciple need never give it any more troube. The .hurry, however, that is being shown over the matter, is unreasonable, and there is no excuse for forcing forward such important legislation. No doubt, the Party Leaders I must get away, and the session be consequently shortened, hnz it seems unnecessary on that account, alone to deprive the people of the opportunity of expressing their opinion on several issues that have been raised, run wi'ich are excluded from the first poll. Tha Alliance contends that the present system is preferab'e to State control, but there seems to be a large and even a growing body of opinion to the contrary! The principal objectors to State control, outside the ranks of the Prohibitionists, are those' avlio consider that 'more would probably have to be paid to the .Trade when the State took over the traffic than the property of the Trade would fee worm. It. is often contended that National prohibition, if it is to show .its true character, beneficial or inimical, must be absolute but there is in history no instance of a country completely banishing liquor. Reliable reports 'from America show that State prohibition is accompanied by much' illegal liquor* consumptiou. The experiment is one of a revolutionary character, and the least that was to have been expected was that, the issues would not .have been so limited at the. poll that may* possibly commit the country to a change, the full effects of which cannot be foreseen.

Mass will be celebrated to-morrow as follows:— Bi-unner 8 a.m.; Runanga JO a.m.; ■ -Oobden 5.30 a.m.. Pnroa 10 a,m.— Advt. /

The biggest selection of embroideries will be .found in our fancy departiueut iv all widths from 4d per yard Tyiuous and Go., Greymouth. — Advt.

The death is recorded in the cables 6f the Duke of Graf ton.

Tlie many friends of Mjr Higgius, Grey County Engineer, and of his eldest son, Mr John Higgins, of the stall uf %hn Teiegrapli Department at l'ahiatua, Ayill eincerely regret to leard of the death of the latter from the prevailing epidemic. > Deceased who was only 26 .year's of age, an 6! a young man of very amiable character, died on Thursday at the Pahiatua Hospitah;- Much sympatliy is felt for tlie relatives in their sad bereavement.

On Wednesday next the adjourned annual and ordinary meetings of the County Council Avill be held, and at the former the election of 'Chairman for the ensuing term will take place.

Messrs Fogarty and Williams are vow shoVving a splendid range of Summer Hats. 'Included in the,- selection are a special assortment of Ladies' Panamas. These are offering at from 4/6. The .new Men 's wear has also come to "hand aiid is well worthy of inspection. Bushmen 's Butterflies may be had at 15/6. Bee the firmV adyertiseinent- in -this issue.

Ladies' Underclothing some special lines, Camisoles from 2/11 to 8/0 each. White longeloth Chemise 3/11 to 10/6 each. White long-cloth Nightdresses 5/11 to 25/- each. Longeloth and Stockinette Combinations 4/11, (V 6; 7/6, 8/11. 10/6 to 20/- per pain At Walker's, Boundary Street, . Greymouth.—Advt. .

Privates T. B. Brown and G. Broezo, of Hokitika, arc reported wounded, but not severely. ■ — - - ■■■

. There is a vote' of £700 for the Grey mouth l'ubilc Works store.

A vote of £100 appears on the Krstiumt.es for Marnia ' H«» springs imi'l'ovL'iiients. Lust year £200 was voted but nothing was expended.

An unspont vote of £600 for a lioiiro .M'i-fcftuit's iTsidt-nce- at Kecfton is renewed in this year's osti-.-n 111 1: us.

The estimates have a vote of £20,000 for Napier Post Office, on which £11,000, half the vote 'last year, was expended.

Tan and black sox small sixes, 1/3, 1/6 per pair. Girls' stocking..,, siuhlJ *ixes 1/5, 1/3 per pair. Tymona' aud <'<»., Gr«y mon th. — Advt.

Sir Erie 'Gcddes- state's' that the lutli Cruiser Squadron guarded from the Orkneys to Iceland and had intercepted 15,000 ships carrying supplies to the enemy.-

Last year £1,193 was spent on Cobden bridge out of a vote of £2,000. The vote this year is £2,000. The liability on March 31st last is set down at £9.023.

The half-yearly meeting of shareholders of the Bank of New Zea and was held yesterday and a report- of the proceedings appears elsewhere. Mr Beauchamp stated that the Board was able to declare the usual interim dividend of 6 per cent.

Just arrived — Four neAv Books: — "The Man in Grey" by Baroness Oiczy, "An English Eose, " by David Russell, "Earthware" by Lindsay Russell "Towards Morning" by J. A. R. Wylie. Price 5/- each. * At B. Dixon, Bookseller, Greymouth. — Advt.

At Westport the death is recorded from miners' complaint of Mr Fred Sorenson, a native of .Bviiinark, who had been -40 years in the colonies and had followed mining in Victoria and Buller. A widow and family of two sons (one with the Expeditionary Force) and four daughters are left.

Ladies' White Woven Bloomers from 2/11, 3/6 per pair. Childrens' Ditto, from 1/6, to 2/11 per pair. Special line ladies' long chem singlets. Our price 2/11. Tymous' and Co., Greymouth. — Advt.

The New Zealand Presbyterian Bible Class Conference, which was to be held this year at Tiniaru. opening on Boxiug Day, has on the recommendation of the hea.lth authorities, been cancelled. - It will be held at Tiniaru next year.

' ' Cvlkcel ' ' a rel able hard, wearing and washing material 32 inches wide, i'oi: Blouses, Dresses, Mens Shirts, phi n shades, checks, spoi- and stripes. L'sual price 2/3 yard, {special Price up to Saturday December 14th 1/114 yd. Sainnle buuehos now ready. .Me Gruer and Co., spot cash Drapers, Greymouth. — Advt.

The Keep-it-Dark Mine, Reefton, has been closed till after the New j-Year, when it is intended to initiate a scheme of development which includes j the sinking.^ of the main shaft to a ; deeper level, the extension of Levels i'Nos. 8,9, and 10 into virgin country, | and the driving of a level to the well- | known Hercules Lode. Prospecting for ! four parallel lodes will be undertaken - also.

Men's Neglige Shirts 5/(5,. li/C, 7/G. Men's best quality Tussore Si k shirts 21/- and 22/6. Men's Tennis Shirts, 7/b", 8/6, and 9/6. White and Tussore Silk Collars 1/3, 1/9, and 2s at McGrUcr and Co, Cash Drapers, Greymouth. — Advt.

Mark Sprot and Co. have been compelled to postpone their sale at Totara Flat until Saturday, 14th. In addition to the loss of Mr Eisfclder. some of the responsible male members ofaora the responsible ma'e employees are still absent. Messrs O 'Brien, stock agent, and Excell, head storeman, are in hospital. Messrs Weaver, shipping officer, and Shaw, assistant storeman, are also victims of the epidemic.

Ladies' White Muslin and Voile dresses from 12/6 to 45/- . each. Also Summer Costumes in White," Pink, Sky, etc., Coat and Skirt, only 45/---and. 55/- each. At. Walker's,.,-Bound-ary Street. — Advt. ,

The death of Mr Thomas Roberts took place at TVestland Hospital yesterday morning from tlie effects of influenza. The deceased, who had beers working -at -Three Mile, had only been ill for a few days, j -He was. -a. son of the late Mr and Mrs Roberts of Hokitika, the latter /passing in September last; Deceased was a native of Victoria, unmarried, and 51 years of age. He leaves one sister (Mrs Rickard of Ahaura) to mourn her loss.

Hosiery. — Ladies worsted hose in Greys and Heather at 4/11. Col-oureu Cashmere in Champagne, Heathers ana Mole Colmirs, 4/11 and 6/ti per pair. TJre well-known hole proof black cashmere hose 6/11 per pain A good strong ribbed hose, 1/6, 1/9 reliable value.— At Tymons and Co. Greyinouth — Advt.

!, "I will recommend yoii to my. friends, -the lit could not be bettor, and I am sure it would be impossible I for nip to get more for my money any- | where." A . .few lines typical of nmn'y received by .Toliu H. Glasson Cashel Street ' Chrjst church from dozens of men all' over the Coast when : lie lias tailored by mail. For your 1 ini'oi'mation we mention a few particulars"! When you Avrite for patterns you have at least fifty to choose from. A simple -measurement chart is given you to measure yourself with, enabling you to do it' as easy as any tailor, and at the same time give details that he would not trouble about, but wait for- a "try-on" to put straight. You , take no risk. Cloth- lit and make must please you, or demand an instant : refund of your cash. The suit will be made exactly as you like, and the prices no more tlian you would pay ■J : or a readymade. Do as other Avidoawake men are doing and : write for , patterns H* ' 75s 80s 85s 95s and 105s. i You .will be smartly clad and save at j least a coup'.e of sovereigns. These i are a few reasons why we recommend I yo.ii ■" t0,;., get . in touch Avith John B. Glasson Cashel St. Christchurch before I .purchasing your new auiti. i If you ; vant a pair of working trousers, all sizes 8/6 and 13/6, money back if not. satisfied, they wear like wire, 8/G and 13/6.— Advt.

Ladies who require a very handsome Costume made for the. Smnmer at a roasonahle price should place their order with O. Smith. Ltd.. the wholesale drapers and clothiers. All the newest and latest designs in Costume Fabrics are cow ir stock in all the »nosf. lovely shades for the coming season. The latest antf most exclusive i(ili»uriji*s are at C. timitn's. — A<JvJ.