SYDENHAM LICENSING COMMITTEE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9761, 25 June 1892, Page 6

SYDENHAM LICENSING COMMITTEE.

TO THE EDIXOE. -. Sir, —As .misunderstanding exists ,as..to the conditions under which the promoters of last night’s licensed victuallers’meeting secured the presence of the Mayor of Christchurch in the chair, I write to expose the methods our opponents are contemptible enough to adopt, and to make known the facta to your readers. On Saturday last the Mayor admitted to me that he had been requested to preside at a meeting of sympathisers with those who have lost their licenses. I responded that the licensed victuallers had every right to hold such a meeting without interference on our part, but that if be as chief magistrate of the city, presided, it altered the whole position, and that to my mind he ought only to preside if the meeting was a public one and the other side guaranteed a fair hearing, and that really the meeting ought to be in Sydenham, and not in Christchurch, Mr Prudhoe said that this was exactly h-s own view of the case, and that ho would only consent to act on the distinct promise of the deputation that tho meeting should be public, and that our side should be heard. The licensed victuallers then engaged the Oddfellows’ Chambers, put no advertisement into fsbsfjwjperstill Thursday morning, but invited private circular. Under these cxroomsSatices we naturally concluded that onjjf 55. email and select party was intended,]j®iS. consequently only arranged with a limited number of our people Jtp represent us. At the time of the meeting there were quite as’ many of our supporters as theirs in the chambers. This would not do, so they quietly drew off to the hall opposite. As Chairman of the Licensing Committee I had determined not to attend, and was conducting a meeting in my church, when a hansom arrived with a message that hone of our party could get a hearing, and that I had better come, as the Mayor had given to me personally his pledge. I went, with the result I expected, to find myself face to face with a yelling, hooting crowd who would hoar nothing., My presence there, however, and my reception demonstrated two things: first, that fair play is an unknown quantity among the publicans of Christchurch and their followers; second, that there must he tremendous logic on our side or they would not be so afraid that their sympathisers should beer us.— I am,&3., LEONARD M. ISITT.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,— -A letter appears in this morning’s issue from the Rev laitt, or, aa he signs himself, “ Editor of the Prohibitionist .” Mr Isibt has the audacity to tell us that it has cost him and Mr Taylor a “a few pounds out of pocket ” to complete the demolition of the Sydenham licenses. He (the Rev leitt, a minister of the Divine Gospel) tells us openly that in spite of bis duties, as Chairman of the Sydenham Licensing Bench, he has “ worked like a horse,” and is money out of pocket to close these hotels ! Truly a capable person _ for administering the functions of a judicial court ia Mr Isltt! Ho also informs us that Mr Taylor has worked as laboriously as himself to accomplish the same purpose, and yet he, Mr Isitt, as Chairman, accepts the evidence of a person who he is aware ia pledged to close all the hotels. Let me inform Mr Isitt that no British judicial court would accept each evidence. After such dramatic acting I am prepared lor anything.—l am, Ac., A. M. MELVILLE.

TO THE EDITOR*

Sir,— Several indignation letters have appeared in your columns auent the action of the above Committee; but with all who are nob interested in the liquor traffic there can be bub one opinion, viz., that the wish of the large majority of ratepayers has been given effect to. The Committee were pledged to close the hotels in the district and, in spite of threats and the fiercest opposition, have manfully done their duty. Such maudlin humbug as ycur correspondents "Sympathy,” “Anti—(or more correctly speaking. Arrant)— Humbug” and others write is absurd, and I should like to see a monster meeting in Sydenham endorse the action of the Committee. The time is fast approaching when the people will demand the total abolition of the liquor traffic, and every man and woman will be able to express their opinion at the ballot-box. The sooner the better, as the money of the people will then be used for the benefit of themselves, and not for the brewers and distilleries. The majority must rule, whether in licensing or general elections.—l am, &c., VOX POPULI.

TO THB EDITOB.

Sir, — A great deal of emotional nonsense has been written about the action of the Sydenham Licensing Committee, but I think I must give the palm to the editor of the Prohibitionist. In a letter appearing in to-day’s issue of your paper he says, “By knocking,our free distribution on the head we,could make the i Prohibitionist a paying concern to-morrow/' 1 I wonder if the editor of the Prohibitionist' is serious, or is it only another bid for public sympathy? The Eev Mr Tsifct is astute enough to foresee that with the stoppage of the free distribution of his paper his glory will depart.—l am, &c., fa ANTI-HUMBUG.