LIVELY PROCEEDINGS IN CHIRSTCHURCH.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2201, 21 May 1879, Page 2

LIVELY PROCEEDINGS IN CHIRSTCHURCH.

(MR NORTH OTAOO TIMBS SPIOIAL WIRE.) Chwhtohurcbt, May 20. There is war to the knife between the publioans of Sydenhara and the temperance league. At present there are onlj three hotels in the borough, and several new application! hare been made to be beard at the ensuing sitting of the Licensing Court. The league called a meeting on the subject, which was well attended, and both sides had a hearing. A very determined expression of opinion was then given against the publicans. The latter hare now called another meeting, at which the battle will be fought orer again. But if report may be believed, very objectionable means are being taken to counteract the temperance influenoe. The Star says : "It is reported that the brewers and friends of the publicans interested are attempting a system of terrorism to intimidate the respectable residents of Sydenham into compliance with their views. Slanders are oeing circulated against certain gentlemen who have had the courage of their opinions. One of these gentlemen, we learn, has threatened to prosecute for libel an individual deeply interested in getting a license, and lays the damages at a heavy amount. The publichouse party are evidently about to adopt the most effectual methods of effectually damaging their own cause." The counter demonstration is to held to-morrow evening, and will be attended by the temperance league. To-day the borough was flooded with handbills calling upon every friend of temperance, every lover of his country, every Christain man, to be present at this meeting.