NATIVES AND LIQUOR

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10521, 24 February 1920, Page 5

NATIVES AND LIQUOR

REVELATIONS AT WANGANUI. PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. WANGANUI, 5 -February 23. William J. Williams, a licensee of Aramoho, pleaded guilty to a charge of selling to a native for consumption off the premises twenty-four bottles of whisky. Inspector Hendry «tatcQ that there was a wedding at Ranana, an tip-river native settlement. Three natives wero sent to town to purchase the liquor, which was bought from the defendant, who at first refused to sell, but did so when informed that the liquor was for a wedding. He was not aware it was destined* foi l 'tho'up-river settlement. The" liquor was taken away in two portmanteaus, and was subsequently discovered by the police. A conviction was entered. The penalty was postponed for the production of the license.

A deplorable condition of affaira was revealed by Inspector Hendry during the case...- He -said- tho police were informed that when ...the liquoi entered native up-river settlement* scenes of deplorable drunkenness tools phice, men. women, and even children drinking liquor. Convent eisters and priests working amongst the natives found the work very much retarded by tho debauching which followed the drinking of--liquor. In the natives' own interests liquor should bo prevented from going to th-2 settlements. Tho better-class natives deplored this excessive drinking, which was having a far-reaching effect on the morals of the natives.