The Star. SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1894. The Licensing Question.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4907, 24 March 1894, Page 4

The Star. SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1894. The Licensing Question.

Ths fuller returns of the results of the licensing polls throughout tho colony confirm the opinion expressed in our last issue that New Zealand is by no means "ripe for prohibition." Our people are, however, evidently of opinion that we have too many public-houi_eß. How will the ladies and gentlemen whom the electors have chosen as members of the Licensing Committees carry out the popular willP With regard to the few ladies who are members of Committee, there ia ao doubt whatever. They are prohibitionists, and will reduce to the full extent permitted by law. Through the mistake of the prohibitionistp, who iv many districts refused to eleot committees, as they might easily have done, it is, however, doubtful whether anything more than the smallest possible reduction will be obtained over a considerable part of the colony. It is to be hoped, though, that the members of the committees will not act so as prevent a most necessary reform from being effected. They must remember that they ace the representatives of the people, not of one particular section, and that the people have spoken very decidedly in favour of a reduction, which, in order to truly carry out their wishes, must be real and substantial. There are, it cannot be denied, many publichouses throughout the colony which might, with advantage to the community and to the general body of hotelkeepers, be shut up. In our cities, and in our smaller towns also, drinking bars are sown far more thiokly than there is necessity for them to ; be—to thickly, indeed, that the temptations to excessive drinking on the part of the public, and to violations of the law, through the competition among hotelkeepers, are largely increased. Again, there aro licensed houses—and Christchurch is not altogether free from them — which are very dena of iniquity j where spielers, thieves and loafers congregate; where, until " all hourß " in the morning, the young and foolish are tempted to waste time, money and health, to gamble, drink vilely -doctored liquor, and be fleeced by the worthies aforesaid. Here, then, is ample Bcope for the Licensing Committees to confer a great benefit on the community. It is their duty to avail themselves of it. A rigid observance of the law by licensees must be insisted npon. If the number of hotels be reduced competition between publicans will be lessened, and the excuse of " I cannot make a living unless I break the law" will be done away with. Again, licensees will have a security of tenure unknown for many years pest, for they cannot loso their licenses for three years, except through their own fault. It is surely not too muoh to ssk them, in return for these advantages, to keep within the law. If thoy do not, they should bo severely dealt with. Sunday and midnight drinking, hitherto only too common, and supplying liquor to persons who havo already had enough of it, far to-p common, also must cease, or, depend iupon it, tho public will road a sharp leeacn to the transgressors at the next licensing poll.