SALE OF DRINK ON COASTAL STEAMERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10409, 6 April 1897, Page 3

SALE OF DRINK ON COASTAL STEAMERS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The sMe of intoxicating drinks on our coastal poscnger steamers ought to be placed under stricter regulation, for, if not, some terrible night sea catastrophe may yet have to be recorded. Here is a specimen of present management: A night or two since, one of tho Northern S.S. Company's steamers left Coromaudcl, and before even the ship had loosed from the wharf there was a rush of a small gang of yonug men for the canteen, and at which they were supplied. One of these men embarked in a state of drunkenness. The results of this early sale of drink may be readily guessed. Quarrelling and foul language in good abundance followed, and both the comfort and pleasure of the remaining passeugers were spoiled. Moreover, there Were several children on board, and the effect upon them of the vile language indulged in would be demoralise indeed. Now, the question arises: Ought such as the foregoing to be permitted? aud that simply to feed a steward's purse. The risk is a very great one, for, almost without exception, excessive drinkers indulge in the habit ot smoking also, and a lighted match might easily be thrown by one of them in a wrong place, and the little ship with perhaps 40 to 50 persons on board take fire, aud that on a dark night. Here is a suggestion to all owners of coastal passenger steamers: Let the canteen be kept locked until, say, one half of the usun) time of the voyage is expired, then o_pen it for a fixed limited period, and closing it agaiu for the voyage.-I am. etc., Traveller