REFORM OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

Southland Times, Issue 18974, 22 June 1923, Page 2

REFORM OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

To the Editor. Sir, —I have read with interest the full prospectus of the “N.Z. Breweries, Ltd.” which appears in to-day’s issue of the Southland Times, and more especially the paragraph headed “reasons for sale.” It is hero stated that the promoters have been induced to dispose of their old established businesses “bo as to bring into effect certain reforms which they are led to believe are deserved by the public.” This is really very good of the promoters, and it is quite evident that this prospectus must be read in conjunction with the “Corporate Controllers” scheme which has been in- ! itiated by four clergymen of the Church of England, not by the Church of England let I it be noted, but by four clergymen of that ; denomination. This scheme would coni veniently abolish licensing committees, ini troduce the locker system into clubs and 1 grant facilities for restaurants to sell liquor. These are not democratic proposals. Why I should the right to elect licensing commit--1 tees bo taken from the people? 300,791 j electors in New Zealand at the last poll ; stated emphatically by their vote that they I did not want any liquor at all. Will the reforms suggested be likely to find favour ! with these? What is wanted at the present time is a clear cut issue between those who want liquor and those who do not. This can only be done by eliminating “State Control” or “Corporate Control” from the ballot paper. Meantime we do not want greater facilities for liquor consumption, but less, not increased sales, but less, not bigger business for the breweries, but less. It is said that some of the tied houses would be abolished but would not all the hotels be practically tied to the chariot wheels of one big brewery combine? I am, etc., ARGUS. Invercargill. June 21.