LICENSING COMMISSION

Grey River Argus, 21 April 1945, Page 8

LICENSING COMMISSION

The evidence presented to date befor the Royal Commission set up to inquire into New Zealand’s licensing laws has contained many startling revelations,. especially in relation to the present’ unhygienic methods used in cleansing the glasses. It was stated inter alia that to ensure a glass free from contamination the water would be require to be at a temperature above what the human hand could stand. This state of affairs alone demands that John Citizen be heard. It. has already, made him reluctant to drink as formerly, as he recognises that present Social Security benefits are totally inadequate to provide him with the necessaries of life should he contract a disease by drinking out of a dirty glass. It has been stated that any individual can give evidence, but when one considers the powerful interests that control the trade, the voice of one would be “a voice crying in the wilderness.” To ensure that the consumer is represented, it appears that the only appropriate organisation to state his case would be the Federation of Labour, for, though this body does not represent all consumers, it has in its ranks a large body of them. Another cause of complaint is that when the quality of beer was reduced

the price remained the same, arid we pay for more water. Stabilisation evidently does not apply. Standardisation would be of advantage heie. The price is 7d for 12 ounces. _ If we want five ounces or less, we still pay 7d. This is sheer exploitation, and that hotels should be on a different, basis to other businesses is amazing. A person who buys a quart of milk pays 7d. If he or she desires a pint, a pint is charged for. The same I should apply to hotels. These are just a few illustrations of the questions to which the consumer requires an answer. There are huge profits in this industry—profits cieated by the consumer. He is represented in the person of the watersider, the miner, the soldier. Some of the profits should be used in improving the | conditions of drinking, and a host of reforms are necessary. Hours require adjusting, and there should be licenses for clubs and trade unions—the waterside workers, for instance and there should be better conditions for the workers in the industry. These reforms will not be obtained by being passive. The trade union movement is in a position to state a case, and the case would be in the interests of the man in the street. It is admitted that there are many divergent views on this important matter, but the writer believes that there is complete unanimity on the facts. Let us glance at two organisations which will present evidence before the Commission. There is the New Zealand Alliance which does not represent the consumer. And there is the Licensed Victuallers’ Association wffiich represents the trade only. The State has been represented by various Not 'one is. able to present the case of the man who pays his 7d for a beer or the price for any other drink. After all, without him there would be no liquor trade. Yet to date he is not sufficiently, important to state his case. The Royal Commission is of vital importance to all citizens. The present laws are unsatisfactory, and it is to be hoped that something approaching a civilised method of control 'and consumption will be attained. From a trade lunion viewpoint, many important reforms are necessary. For instance, the present brewery control, which has been exposed, has reacted to the disadvantage of the consumer. I Hotels are forced to sell the commodity of the controller. “Mine Host” becomes the manager—in the majority of cases on a percentage basis. If the profits are high, the brewery smiles; if not, it is not uncommon to find a new manager installed. Quality and service are forgone in the interst's of profits. The present system is entirely unsatisfactory and opposed to good citizenship. Therefore, if we are prepared to take an active .part and present our evidence, the rights of that most important, yet -forgotten, person, the consumer, may be obtained. It has oft been stated, “There is nothing in common between Capital and Labour.” This can be said with equal aptness of Consumer and Brewer. In our own interests let our voices be heard. nGe o —“TRANSPORT WORKER”