METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

Otago Witness, Issue 3244, 17 May 1916, Page 70

METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING OF HOTELS. The groat interest being taken in the movement for 6 o'clock closing of hotels --as evident by the very large congregation that assembled in the Octagon Hall on Sunday to hi .r the Rev. Clarence Eaton's add. ss on "Shall we Close the Hotel Bars at 6 p.m." Mrs Don (W.C.T.U.), and Mr T. H. Dalton (1.0.G.T.) occupied seats on the platform. Mr Eaton, who spoke for 45 minutes, dealt trenchantly with the evils resulting from the liquor traffic. He stated there was no legitimate reason why hotels should bo open after all other business premises were closed, and in the interests of common justice to all the same restriction of hours should apply to hotels. Licensed premises were open 4976 hours in the year, whilst other trades were open for 2900 hours. Certainly licensed houses paid a license fee, but this represented only twopence per hour for the extra privileges given. Other reasons given were the urgency of the military situation, which demanded economy and efficiency, and he contended the liquor traffic was antagonistic to both. He dealt with the enormous cost of the traffic to tho nation in men and money, and asked pointedly how much longer was tho brewer's dray to stand in tho way of the ammunition wagon, and how long the people of New Zealand were going to allow the Government to do nothing in restricting a trade which was doing so much harm to the carrying of tho war to a successful issue. He urged immediato action for this reform. The address was very emphatic in its

denunciation of tho present system, and the views expressed met with the approval of all present. Petitions were very largely signed, and a decided impetus was given to the movement Mis? Ethel Pridham rendered a solo very acceptably.