THE LICENSING POLL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13934, 16 December 1905, Page 9

THE LICENSING POLL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l have found, in looking up the matter, that the telegraphed reports of interviews with prominent no-hcenee advocates have been distorted almost beyond recognition. They are made, to utter all sorts of distressful moans an cl complaints that exist only in the minds of those who did the telegraphing or corresponding. Briefly, the No-license Party have no cause for distress or discouragement. AVe hoped for too much; that was all. For the first time we have met the trade fully organised, thoroughly frightened, and spending money like water. In spite of all their efforts, and the loss of all the careless votes given “ to give the publicans a fright,” etc., the colonial majority for no-license has gone up from 3000 to 13,000 or more. We have met the full shock of conflict, and our advance has not been stayed. Another important result, which gives all who are studying the matter closely great pleasure, is the vote in the areas that have actually had a taste of nolicense, and where the people, in consequence, vote with knowledge, and not from mere opinion. Grey Lynn is included because it had only one hotel, and was therefore practically a nolicense area:—

There is thus in these areas an actual increase in no-liceuse votes of 2690, and a clear majority over the continuance vote of nearly 6000. It is no use preaching the disastrous results of nolicense, in face of these eloquent figures. There are special local reasons for the decline in the Ashburton figures, to wit, the importation of liquor voters and the action of many of the 600 club members, who desire to get back license for their club. The exception, however, is less important than the rule. The further rise l of 277 in the Curt ha no-license vote, after twelve years’ experience, is most impressive and convincing.—l am, etc., G. B. NIOHOLLS, Otago Agent, N.Z. Alliance.

No1 Noi ConLicense : License tinuance • Vote. Vote. Vote. 1902. 1905. 1905. Clutha . 2,243 2,522 ,1,436 Mataura . 2,939 2,986 2,037 Ashburton . 2,870 2,410 , 2,CIS Chalmers . 2,773 3,170 2,500 Bruce . 2,372 2,419 ' 1,612 ' Newtown . 2,995 4,122 3,009 Grey Lynn . 2,175 v 3,405 1,933 Totals . 18,369 21,064 - 15,197