A NO-LICENSE JUBILEE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 34

A NO-LICENSE JUBILEE.

fwenty-one YEARS OF PROHIBIA TION.

MASTERTON, September 23. The twenty-first anniversary of the carrying of no-license in the Masterton electorate was celebrated to-night at a largely attended public demonstration at which addresses were given by Mr L. M. Jsitt, M.L.C.; and Mr J. M'Combs, M.P. = The following resolution was carried unanimously:—“ That this large and representative gathering of citizens who are celebrating the twenty-first anniversary of no-license in Masterton express their appreciation of the great benefits derived from the closing of the publichouse bars. The population has steaehjy jiv-i-eased from. 5182 in 1911 to 8480 in ,1930. Crime has decreased. Convictions for drunkenness in 1909, with little more than half the population, were 287, while last' year there were only 32 persons convicted of drunkenness, and these latter in many instances were persons who had come from neighbouring towns. The 1 ost Office Savings Bank deposits have increased from £66.733 in 1909 to £314,630 last year.' In 1918 the capital value of property in the borough was £1,201,395; in 1928 it was £2,298,144. The value of property has considerably more than doubled in 10 years, and still the town grows. In 1928 building permits were granted amounting to £47,762; in 1929, £53,248; and during the year ended J une 30, 1930, the permits amounted to £83,84/. In many ways the town has improved. The amount spent on liquor m New Zealand is £6 per head. This would have meant £50,000 annually in Masterton. This money has been spent in a manner •which has made the town more prosperous, morally cleaner, and the people happier: and this meeting pledges itselt to work with enthusiasm and sacrifice to retain no-license in Masterton.