What is Proved about No License in Invercargill.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 20, 18 December 1906, Page 5

What is Proved about No License in Invercargill.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The following facts are proved beyond cavil as regards the results so far of No License in Invercargill:—

1. Tlie rates have not been raised at either Oamaru or Invercargill. The natural increase in the values of property has more than offset the small loss resulting from the ceasing of license fees. 2. Business has been absolutely undisturbed. Values of property have gone on hardening. It is stated that property in Invercargill is to-day higher in value than at any previous time in the history of the town. All the evidence so far points to better and sounder business having been done since No License took effect. Each official labour and trade report has been more glowing than the last. The October trade review shows that every trade is busy and improving, nearly all trades working overtime, no unemployed and many persons wanting extra hands and unable to get them. 3. Many trade accounts that had been considered hopelessly bad have been paid, the debtors explaining that the absence of the temptation to drink enabled them get on better. 4. The public testimony given to the Assembly by all the Presbyterian ministers resident at both Oamaru and Invercargill was most emphatic as to the moral benefits manifest at these places. 5. A special reporter of the “ Otago Daily Times” (which paper has always been against No License) interviewed a prominent resident of Invercargill, whom he described as “Absolutely unbiassed hut in an excellent position to know the exact truth.” This man said, in part: “ No License is working admirably so far as the conduct of the town in concerned. There is not a. suspicion of illicit dealing in liquor being earned on within its boundaries.” “Larrikinism has died a natural death in Invercargill. It was certainly gaining ground before No License took effect. Now it is a thing of the past.” “ Facts are chiels that winna ding.”—l am, etc., G. B. NICHOLLS. Dunedin, November 28, 1906.