LIQUOR IN THE KING COUNTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12267, 11 May 1903, Page 4

LIQUOR IN THE KING COUNTRY.

The number of letters which we have published on this subject from residents in the King Country, and from residents in the city, shows the very great interest that is taken in it. This is only what might be expected from its importance in various aspects. One correspondent contends that the statements made by "W.8.K." were exaggerated. But even admitting that they were, it is quite certain that the evil is very great, that it is likely to increase, and that it ought to be abated. lb must be remembered that when the King Country was made a district within which no licenses could be issued to sell liquor, the conditions were very different from what they are now. It was quite evident at that time that great mischief was being done to the natives by the liquor traffic, and it was desired that they should be saved from this evil. This motive appealed, indeed, not only to prohibitionists and abstainers, but to the whole community. Whether the measure was ever so effective as it was hoped it would be, we need not now inquire. We "believe at first it had a good ef-< feet. But the conditions have now entirely changed. There is now a large European population in the King Country; the Main Trunk railway is being made directly through it; it is even now becoming one of the routes of travel. Can anyone imagine that the large European population, consisting of persons who have never been subject, to any such restrictions, will remain without any supply of alcoholic liquors simply because licenses cannot be granted. The very supposition is absurd. It must be remembered that the King Country is in a very different position from any district which has carried prohibition by a vote of the people under the law. Then to a great extent public opinion supports the law. But here there is nothing of the kind. The residents ' have never been considered. The position in which they find themselves has been forced upon them, mainly by a band of enthusiasts in Auckland- Then, again, in a district which has become prohibitive under a vote, special powers are given to the police in the way of searching for and seizing liquor. But here nothing can be done in that direction, and to secure a conviction a sale must be proved, and this can

only be achieved occasionally. It must be evident to all those who brought about the present state of things that it cannot be maintained without the same powers being given to the police as they would have if prohibition were brought about by a vote under the Liquor Sale Control Act, and of that there is no chance whatever. But here is an opportunity to try some of the many plans proposed to deal with licences. When any new system is proposed elsewhere in New Zealand, the initial difficulty is always the existing licences. There is nothing of the kind here. Our Government; is never loth to take in hand businesses with which it has nothing to do. Why should not certain premises be licensed in the King Country, and run by the Government Then it could be made certain, that nothing but sound liquor would be sold. Special restrictions placed on the natives could be carried out, or they might not be served at 8.11. No liquor would be sold to anyone who had had enough, or to anyone who was in the habit of taking too much. And the whole profit of the trade could be carried to the Consolidated Fund, or to some local purpose. At present the sly grog-selling business cannot be put down. A few licensed houses, under strict control, would do more towards the stoppage of this evil trade than an army of detectives. They would, indeed, abolish it altogether, while at the same time promoting the cause of sobriety throughout the district. Here is a clear field for the Government. We are quite sure that Parliament would give them leave to make the experiment if they asked it. Is there any influence stopping them'?