PROHIBITION POLL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3888, 18 September 1928, Page 76

PROHIBITION POLL.

RESULT AND AFTERMATH. ACTION IN NEW SOUTH WALES, (From 0 t . Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, September 6. Now that the public of New South Wales have had their very definite say on the matter of prohibition and have rejected the proposal by a huge vote of about five to two, it seems that the issue will disappear from the realms of practical politics for a generation. The public have determined that the ma de-in- America brands of moral and social “uplift” are not greatly to be desired. On the other hand it seems clear that the same public wants reform of the liquor traffic, reform that will lead to greater sobriety and temperance without the dangers, which observers say, are associated with proliibition, introduced in one fell swoop. - Gradual reform, They say, is what is desirable. The Government is to tackle .the problem, and due of the suggested changes is an alteration of the hours of trading. At "present the bars are open from 6 a.m. until G p.m., and it has been proposed that they should be allowed to remain open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., or between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Another suggested change is in respect of the granting of licenses. The present system by which application is made to the Licensing Board, it is considered, is hardly equitable. For instance. the persons who are successful in their application are really presented with a free gift worth from £lOOO to perhaps £20,000. Many persons consider that when it is decided to give a district an additional license all comers should have an opportunity of bidding for the valuable rights to trade. Interesting, also, is the suggested licensing of barmaids. There are many who hold-the view that the bar is not the proper place for a woman, and also that there are evils associated with their employment behind the bar. _ They consider that the women already earning their livelihood in bars should not be penalised, but that they should be licensed, and that no further women should be allowed to accept such employment. Gradually, barmaids would cease to exist. H. would be a vital alteration of existing conditions if the Government heeded the voice of some reformers who advocate a reduction in the alcoholic content of liquors. • However, the Government will decide the matter, and whichever way they determine it may be assured that there will be a storm of protest from one section- or another. Yet the public as a whole seem to want reform, but, in addition, the vote is clear that an overwhelming majority of citizens are determined to decide for themselves what they shall drink rather than have that decided by others.