EARLY CLOSING OF HOTELS

Otago Witness, Issue 3214, 20 October 1915, Page 26

EARLY CLOSING OF HOTELS

SYDNEY, October 16 In connection with the movement for earlier hotel closing, the Hon. Mr Fitzgerald received a deputation from the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, who pointed out that any interference would mean serious loss to the hotelkeepers and would throw out of work fully 3000 out cf the 15,000 employed in the trade. The deputation advocated the continuance of present conditions under strict supervision, the reduction of the alcoholic strength of drink, and the introduction of light wines and beers. Mr Fitzgerald, after promising that Cabinet would consider the matter, resented the attempts made in some quarters to brand soldiers as drunkards as a class. He believed that if “ wet ” canteens were permitted excessive drinking would disappear among the few soldiers guilty of it at present.