THE MAYOR AND THE TEMPERANCE PARTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4605, 30 January 1883, Page 3

THE MAYOR AND THE TEMPERANCE PARTY.

TO THB EPITOB OP THH STAB. Bib,— From the accompanying letter from the Mayor to myself it will be seen that he oannot suffer very much from the " disappointment" of the previously lost opportunity to discuss his action re the amalgamation of the lioensing districts. Further, the Mayor's letter shows that he has not the courage of his opinions regarding the impotence of the temperance body to act as reformers, and that to them is due the defects of the present Licensing Act. We utterly deny that the present Aot is an " emanation of Sir William Fox and the temperance party." It is simply a mutilation, and nothing else. The Mayor talks glibly enough in the Oouneil Chamber about the "temperance boely not being able to recommend a remedy for intemperance." The "remedy we recommend" is prohibition. If the Mayor does not think this a "sound remedy" let him hare' the courage to reooramend something better, or elt e cease to charge us with "raving." — I am, &c,

W. HOOPEB,

The following is the letter referred to : —

" Dbab Sib — In reply to your letter of yesterday I beg to inform you that it it not my intention to entertain your challenge. My statement in reply to Mr Gray's letter is my final answer concerning this question.— l am, &«., J. G-. Buddbkksatt, Mayor."