North Auckland Age. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPCRATED “The Mangonui County Times” and “The Bay of Islands Times ” MONDAY, FEBRUARY ,1, 1909. The Election of the Bay of Islands Licensing Committee.

Northland Age, Volume V, Issue 23, 1 February 1909, Page 4

North Auckland Age. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPCRATED “The Mangonui County Times” and “The Bay of Islands Times ”

MONDAY, FEBRUARY ,1, 1909. The Election of the Bay of Islands Licensing Committee.

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In the early part of next month the Committee who are to control the Licensing Houses in the Bay of Islands for the next three years will need to- be elected by the people. Luckily in this electorate there is nothing in the nature of any great moment to be decided by the new committee and, as was the case three years ago, there is very little in the coming election which is likely to cause ill-feelling or party bitterness. That there will be a large number seeking the barren honor of a seat on the Licensing Bench goes without saying and we take it that the struggle now commencing will be one oi personal character and popularity. The No License party in the Bay of Islands have never before considered themselves strong enough to seek to materially influence that which is colloquially known as the Licensing Election but on this occasion they have given proof that they intend using their party organisation for the purpose of returning at least one or two members pledged to their platform. And, considering the unpreparedness of those opposed to No License, there seems little doubt that the party will be able to secure the return of one ot the nominees as well as of one or two other candidates who, not being pledged to the cold water platform, are very fayorable to the extinction of licensed houses.

At the present time it is impossible to consider fairly the merits of all the candidates likely to present themselves to the electors, for we have not before us the full list of persons who imagine themselves qualified to undertake the onerous duties which fall upon members of the Licensing Bench, It is sufficient that we should look over the old Bench and seek to find wherein improvement is needed. But is there any need for alteration ? It seems to

us that the hotels throughout the Bay of Islands have been remarkably well conducted during the past three years. And if this be any test of the value of the retiring Justices we can find very little cause for complaint against them.

It is an Irish trait to be against existing rulers and possibly the NoLicense party are influenced by a similar principle when they advocate a change in the Licensing Bench in this electorate, also it is in accordance with their great principle of extermination, though this is the first occasion on which they have proposed to replace that which they purpose wiping out of existence, We do not think for an instant that the NoXicense party are honestly dissatisfied with the conduct of the Licensing business in the Bay of Islands and look upon their advent into this campaign merely as a display af their “ agin the Government " feelings and possibly as an intimation that they now think themselves stiong enough to “take a hand

in the game.” Believing that the present members of the Licensing Committee have done well for the public, that they have been throughout actuated by desire to improve the hotel accommodation and protect the interests of all, that they have in fact materially advanced the licensed houses as places ol rest and refreshment, that they have not bowed down and worshipped the unrighteous brewer nor truckled to the fad bitten water monger, we are not averse to a change if a.change be needed. But we shall require some substantial proof before we shall be likely to agree that the No-License party can effect any change for the better in the Licensing Bench or in any way assist to the improvement of the management of the hotels which it is their avowed intention to destroy.

And yet there is one name mentioned in this coming election which has riveted our attention ; the name of the only one of the No-License party in the North whom we look upon as capable, straightforward and business like, free from personal interest and alike just and impartial; and if he be the selected of the party and condescend to stand for election there can be no gainsaying that it would be a pleasure to see Tame Tame represented on the Bench. It might be that an out and out prohibitionist would strengthen other Licensing Justices in their efforts for the welfare of the public and if the No License party desire representation only such an one as this nominee would be likely to be acceptable alike to the party and the general public. His candidature is a surprise but on the whole a welcome surprise, for if the No-License advocates are to gain one of the seats on the Licensing Com-

mittee it should be secured by a good man and one whom we can all respect.