INCREASE IN DRUNKENNESS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1747, 30 August 1905, Page 1

INCREASE IN DRUNKENNESS.

FIGURES FOB THE COLONY* ' \ ; During tiie year ending March 31st last there was ah increase of 800 in the total number of persons charged with drunkenness, as compared with: the pro. ceding year, the average yearly increase for the five years ended the 31st December. 1903. being 656. The number cnarged with this offence in 1903 was 8815 (7977 males and 838 females), whereas in 1904 the number was 9615 (8660 males and 955' females). The general increase in arrests for drunkenness is no doubt, says Police Commissioner Dinnie,-mostly due to'the continued increase of the population and prosperity of the colony, and partly owing to the increased activity of police in removing drunken persons from the streets, several younger and more active sergeants having been placed in charge of the men in cities where the principal increases have occurred. The increases were as follows: —Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Islands, 423: Napier and East Coast, 89; Wanganui and West Coast, 122; Wellington and Marlborough, 354; Southland, 35. The decreases were as follows: —Nelson and Westland, 61; Canterbury and North. Otago, 100; Dunedin. 62. PROSECUTIONS AGAINST HOTELKEEPERS. The number of prosecutions against hotelkeepers during the year was a decrease of 91, as compared with the preceding year, and a reduction of 93 as compared with the yearly average number for .the preceding five years. There is undoubtedly at present a growing improvement in the management of hotels generally, owing probably to recent amendments in the licensing laws, and the fear of reduction obtaining!. HoteLkeepers appear to have been specially active in forming associations and employing agents with a view to secure the better management and conduct of hotels. It is somewhat premature to comment on the working of recent amendments of the licensing laws. Suffice it to say there is every indication of beneficial results, especially as regards drinking during prohibited hours (particularly on ’Sundays), and the better conduct of hotels. WEST COAST. In former years large quantities of liquor were consumed at Maori tangis (reports Inspector Kiely), particularly in the New Plymouth and Hawera subdistricts, causing 'considerable trouble among the natives and endless worry to the police, who were powerless to put a stop to it. Thanks to the legislation of the past year or two, such drunkenness is now at an end. Several prosecutions have taken place during the year for introducing liquor into Maori kaingas, which had a very beneficial effect. In many of the licensing districts under my supervision the hotelkeepers have formed an association which has for its object the better management and conduct of hotels. This, together with the amendment of the licensing laws of last session, has greatly improved the conduct of hotels. At the present time there are very few breaches of the Licensing Act in this district. WELLINGTON AND MARLBOROUGH. Inspector Ellison reports: The year 1904 showed an increase of 354 cases for drunkenness as compared with 1903. This increase arose entirely in the Mount Cook district of Wellington, other stations showing a small decrease. The increase of arrests for drunkenness is duo in a great measure to the class of persons addicted to drink who have had a prosperous year and plenty of work, and in some measure to the activity of the constables on duty.