THE TWO GALLON SYSTEM.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 15, Issue 2011, 6 December 1870, Page 3

THE TWO GALLON SYSTEM.

Sik, — I would wish, through the medium of your valuable paper, to endeavour to lay before yourself and the public, with, primarily, a view to its exposure (and, I trust, ultimate downfall), the pernicious system of spirit traffic as carried on under the so-called two gallon plan. I am aware that, legitimately carried out, the Act provides for the bond fide quantity of spirit being sold at one time, in theory, but leaves it practically at the option of the seller, — and there are many who are not actuated by the strict letter of either law, moral or common, when grog-selling is concerned. I am reminded of an American anecdote of a temperance family, of which the members " being temperate, congratulated each other" on having satisfactorily achieved the duties of the diiy. In like manner, a spirit merchant, under the two gallons at a tiire arrangement, only' negotiates to the amount of that quantity^ and remains temperately (of cour3e) withiu bounds, or in vicinity of the Act. Joking apart, and without plainer speaking, it is manifest injustice that individuals paying £l per annum should enjoy indirectly that privilege for which others, less fortunate, pay from £30 to £40 per annum, besides having to bear the toil and heat of the day, in the shape of no end of responsibility, and many vexatious restrictions. I trust that my brethren in misfortune will second me in this, my first appeal to the right feeling and justice of the Napier and country public, and remain, Sir, &c. Charles Hahmeb, Licensed Victualler. Wairoa, Dec. 1, 1870.