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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8529, 1 April 1891, Page 4

There has been much discussion here lately regarding the liquor law in Rarotonga. When Mr. Moss returned from his visit of inspection, it was found that he had been instrumental in obtaining the enactment, as regards the principal island of the group, of a' liquor law which permitted of dealing in liquor under certain restrictions, and by parties' who had taken out licenses. It was evident that the native sentiment was in favour of, simple and direct prohibition as the safest way in the trouble. This is shown by the fact that prohibition is the law in all the islands, except the one where the largest number of Europeans reside. The system of licensing is evidently an adaptation to what are supposed to be their wants. When the first news arrived of the institution of the licensing system we expressed our opinion that it was a mistake. It is a matter of vital importance that these natives should not debase themselves and de r stroy their race with fiery drink. They own and occupy these small islands, and done so for many centuries. Even if it could be shown that trade would be promoted by improving them off the face of the earth, and sharing the islands among a few white planters, who would work them with Chinese or Coolie labour, we do not suppose there is one man in all Australasia who would confess to harbouring a wish that such a state of things should be brought about. But in reality our interestto put the thing on the lowest basis —lies in promoting the welfare of the native race, and encouraging them to a '■ settled and orderly life, so that they may fully occupy the islands, and employ themselves in planting and gathering the abundant and valuable products of their fertile soil and sunny climate. From the despatch written by His Ex- j cellency the Governor on Mr. Moss's i

statement respecting his proceedings, it was plain that the subject has been discussed by the Imperial authorities, for Lord Onslow said plainly that prohibition was the policy favoured in such cases as being the only practicable course to adopt. Mr. Moss does not profess to be opposed to that policy, but lie favoured the licensing law from what he considered motives of expediency, and believing that at the present time prohibition could not be carried out. But, according to our correspondent at Rarotonga, the licensing system is working badly. It seems that a European can purchase liquor from the bond,but he cannot resell it, or give a glass away to a friend, or even to his wife as a medical comfort. Of course, such a law will be violated continually, and there is nothing more demoralising to a constituency than a law which everybody knows is constantly being broken. We are bound, in all that we do at Rarotonga, to consult the interests, the welfare, and the wishes of the natives, and in these circumstances we believe that prohibition is the only course we can take. We are quite sure that no man more ardently desires the welfare of the natives than Mr. Moss, and when he returns and finds " that the licensing system is not working satisfactorily, he will at once take measures to have it changed. .', ____• ■■-■•■--"■■ -