Notable Anniversary

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 111, 24 September 1930, Page 5

Notable Anniversary

NO-LICENSE IN MASTERTON

CLEAN, HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS

(Per Press Association)

MASTERTON, Last Night.

The twenty-first anniversary of nolicense in the Masterton electorate was celebrated to-night at a largely attended public demonstration, at which addresses were given by the Hen. L. M. Isitt and Mr J. McCombs, M.P. The following resolution was carried unanimously:— “That this large and representative gathering of citizens, who on this September 23, 1930, are celebrating the twenty-first anniversary of nolicense in Masterton, express their appreciation of the great benefits derived from the closing of the public house bars. The population has steadily increased from 5152 in 1911 to 8485 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 cpme from neighbouring towns. “Post Office Savings Bank deposits have increased from £66,733 in 1909 to £314,630 last .-year. In 1918 the capital value of the property of the borough was £1,20.1,395; in 1928 it was £2,298,144. The value of property had considerably more than doubled in ten years, and still the town grows. In 1928 building permits were granted amounting to £47,762, in 1929 £53,248, and during the year ending June 30, 1930, permits amounted to £83,847. “In many ways the town has improved. The amount spent on liquor in 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 itself to work with enthusiasm and sacrifice to retain no-license in Masterton.”