THRIVING BUSINESS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1933, Page 8

THRIVING BUSINESS

FREE -S;\|LE COMMENCED

VIEWS OF TEE PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON, November 27,

President Roosevelt’s marvellous ability to apprehend public opinion and ■anticipate the effects of Government policy was noticed in Ids -announcement to-day that between , now arid December'S a- large volume of foreign wine s and liquors will be admitted to the. 'United States to prevent an excess of bootlegging'profits. At present there ai'e not sufficient stocks of Ameuican “wet” goods, and the : President believes that the Government,, not the rum runners, should reap what?.profits , accrue -from the (Sale of liquor.

The President take e it for granted that .a 'free sale of liquor has-already started,', arid -ther-e will be no. iriter--1 ference with -it. ; >•' What '’next he proposes to consider is the code to prevent an over production of - California- wines -and -distilling liqno”6 generally. The output will be held down to the country's -actual requirements.

. “Here is /one case, anyway, where we -do not have to plough up crops already growing,” said Mr Roosevelt. Liquor-sellers are going ahead with business without waiting for the formal legislative repeal of prohibition on December 5.

Thousands, of New York bars and restaurants have set up competition against the speakeasies, a nd iu New Orleans the old saloons have been reopened and the proprietors have sold wine and beer and whisky just off the boat or bottled in bond. c ‘The law is still there. on those who disobey it,” said the dwindling force of the prohibition /agd'.vts. tout everywhere, 'from Maine to California, the story is th e same.