Licensing Laws.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4671, 19 June 1893, Page 3

Licensing Laws.

TO THB IDITOR. Sib,— l was exceedingly pleased to observe in the leading columns of your moat Liberal and, outspoken journal a reference to the existing licensing laws. Your comments ought to be appreciated, not only by tho3e following the calling, bat by every even-balanced, jaat and unbiassed Colonist. Under the existing licensing laws, as desirous as publicans may be to comply with the laws of the country, yet some of the clauses in the New Zealand Licensing Acb are of such an unworkable nature that a publican iB almost powerless to carry them out, be he an Englishman, Irishman, Scotchman, or even a Spaniard. Recent events have bitterly taught the public the extreme powers given by the Act, and whensuch powers have fallen into the hands of so-called Christians, their aim haßbeen wholesale destruction — indiscriminately closing hotel after hotel and casting families into the world penniless. Why should such powers be given to those extremists P I pause and think that such was never intended by our legislators. Why, Sir, records show that it has cost England millions sterling to protect the interests of native races in several parts of the world. On the other hand we find that her own subjects, true born Englishmen, are liable to be plunged into utter ruin, according to the Colonial laws. This is monstrous. Such proceedings cannot be tolerated. If increase of licenses has proved a mistake, then I say let those who, in good faith, have invested all their capital in such a business be compensated for any loss sustained. Compensation is no new thing to the Government. If my memory serve me right, some twenty years ago an Act was passed under certain conditions allowing distilleries to be established in several parts of the Colony. Accordingly Companies were formed, and thoße new industries fairly started ; but at the end of three years the Government found that a great mistake had been committed, and that the revenue of the Colony was greatly affected by such industries. The result was that the Government had to compensate those who in good faith had expended thousands of pound?. Then, I ask, what difference, can it be inferred, is there in the case of those who, also in good faith, have invested their capital in hotel businesses ? Why, none! How ready some classes are to condemn despotic rulers, whose aim is to ruin and destroy the homes of their subjects. Then, I say, remember that charity commences at home. lam extremely delighted with the views expressed in the said article, advocating a most urgent and reasonable revision of the Licensing Acr. Surely publicans, like men of any other trade or profession, want only justice. lam also very pleased to observe that, at any coat, the Licensed Victuallers' Associations throughout New Zealand are determined to have this state of affairs altered. — I am, &c, HOPEFUL NEXT ELECTION.