LICENSING BENCHES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 254, 31 January 1889, Page 2

LICENSING BENCHES.

In past years there has always been an apathy displayed in the election of the Licensing Benches which is not very creditable to us as a people. It is not pleasant to have two bitter parties working one against the other, and causing ceaseless strife, but it is doubtful whether on this question the other extremity is not the greater evil. No one can deny that?“ temperate ” Temperance has every point in its favor, until it steps beyond the line and becomes what might be termed bigotry. Our hotels are generally so well conducted that no ill effects have so far been found to arise from the lazy manner in which the householders have always acted in the matter. It is the same fault that wat are always finding with the people of this district; the climate or some unknown power seems to have an enervating influence on all that is done; even our rising population appear to have' come under the magic spell. All exercises in more primitive days, - and with less facilities than can now be boasted of, were gone into with an energy and enthusiasm that when infused into the more earnest pursuits of after life would be certain to lead to the best results. Now all is changed, and Gisborne no longer appears to be able to hold its own in any athletic sports. All this, we contend, leads to the one conclusion, that there is lacking that public spirit and energy which in former times have enabled us to progress in spite of the most distressing difficulties. If the people could only be educated to an understanding of the importance of the careful administration of the affairs of all these small bodies, a very different state of things would exist; not that we wish to make any reflection on those who have had this business entrusted to them—a better class of men has generally come forward than has been deserved when the carelessness and lethargy of householders are considered. Everything has been left to chance, and if that chance has favored us well it is our fortun- and not our merit to which the .reward must be accounted. Next week the nominations will be received for the different local Licensing Benches, and we would impress upon hous holders the careful attention which should be paid to these matters. To the temperance people especially this advice is directed, for they have in the past done little in the way alluded to towards the fostering of their principles, and it is time they bestirred themselves.