“QUITE OUT OF HAND”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7868, 2 August 1911, Page 1

“QUITE OUT OF HAND”

THE SALE OF WINE ALLEGED ABUSES IN NORTHERN DISTRICTS.

“Those of ns who belong to the north aro awa.ro that tho wine selling business has got entirely out of hand and is now ono of the most pernicious thing’s in connection with the ealo of liquor known in tho Dominion.” So* said the president of tho New Zealand Alliance, Mr Wesley Spragg, in addressing tho Hon. G. FouTds, acting-Ministor of Justice, yesterday as a member of a deputation which drew attention to the evils arising out of tho sale of wino in tho North Auckland district. Mr Sprang added that tho deputation was not able to estimate tho actual quantity of grapes used in the manufacture of tho wine. It was, however, suggested that tho liquor was “doctored” in tho most out- ; rageous manner, and that tho result was tho demoralisation of tho gumdiggers and Maoris (both male and female) who purchas'd it, to an extent that ought not to bo tolerated. Tho whole state of affairs in connection with the trade was sad beyond description. “FLAGRANT ABUSE.” Tho secretary of the Alliance, the Bey. J. Dawson, said the trouble was particularly acute in tho Herekino and Mongonui districts. He urged that tho law was being abused in a very flagrant manner. The troubles perhaps, would not bo so serious if tho wino sold was really tho juice of the grape, but it had been proved that the Austrians were using some vile spirit' to fortify the

liquor. The effect of ’drinking it was very serious indeed, both among natives and Europeans. Drunkenness was increasing, and tho usual results of the liquor traffic were much iu evidence. The first request tho deputation had to make was for more iKdice supervision.

The police now in tho districts did the best they could and had a marked effect wherever they could exercise their authority, but as a whole the force was not able to cope with tho evil. The deputation also asked for amendment in tho Act in tho direction of providing that winemakers shall not bo allowed to sell the liquor except to licensed persona. As things were at present they practically peddled it round tho country in small quantities, but as tho stuff was so highly intoxicating it really should not be sold, even by tho maker, except to the holder of a license. Thirdly, they asked that immediate steps bo taken to have the stuff analysed, as they had every reason to believe that it was having the most - .disastrous effects. It was understood that last year-Inspector Cullen, had reported on the subject, and it was urged- that his report should be gone into very fully. ACTION PROMISED.

In his reply the Minister said that to a very large extent (he police reports boro out the deputation’s statements as to the condition of affairs, and, to his mind, clearly indicated the necessity of ■something being done. It would be very difficult to provide sufficient police to control such a scattered population, and it seemed to him that, in any case, an amendment of tho law would be required before much could bo done. This need seemed to him te be very urgent, but it was another matter when they came to the suggestion that only licensed persons should bo supplied. The law did not deal with adulteration of wine save when it. was sold by persons bolding a wine license, or in small quantities, and this was a point which certainly ought to bo looked into. Even if the maker were still allowed to sell, the law should prevent him peddling the liquor over a wide district. There also ought to be legislation against adulteration, so that makers could only sell under the_ conditions that applied to those bolding licenses—i.e., that the wine should not contain more than 20 per cent, of proof spirit. He proposed to get a Bill drafted and submitted to his colleagues for presentation this session, because it was quite clear to him that the evil was of such magnitude that it must he grappled with, while the evidence of the police was that they could not grapple with it properly under tho law as it stood. Legislation was an essential condition of improvement, and he hoped they would be able to get something done this session to strengthen the hands of the police in dealing with the matter. As far as he could arrange for more police supervision he would he glad to do so.