THE PROHIBITION POLL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 670, 8 January 1903, Page 23

THE PROHIBITION POLL.

The Melbourne “ Age ” writes :—“ As a result of the recent licensing poll in Now Zealand, it is being predicted in some quarters that the statistics of arrivals in Australia will soon show a heavy increase. So many people have been deprived of the opportunity of getting anything but the mildest beverages, that they are even said to be turning their attention to the mallee, where there is not much water, dt is true, but where Other liquids can still be had at . moderate- rates. An appallihg experience has happened to those people whose consistent and unquenchable thirst gave a dubious kind of notoriety to the district of Ashburton. At one time ; you could tell ah Ashburton man simply by listening to his views on local option. Not long ago a meeting ivas held in a remote part of New Zealand to protest against the tactics of We Prohibition party. “ Stop, .sir,” said the grim-eyed , doorkeeper, " accosting a "brown-faced-man, who had ridden up on horseback : “ before you can coine in here you must satisfy us that you are not a . Prohibitionist. ” “ That’s all right, ’’. said tl|e individual addressed. “ I come from Ashburton,” And the door flew open to let him,, in. < blow, however, the times have changed, the teetotal brigade has grown exceedingly, and the faithful few in the , district" *of Ashburton have awakened to find themselves the occupants of a drinkless, and emphatically spiritless; land.

A few - days ago’ an application was made to the Horsham (Vic.,) Licensing Bench for a wine licence. The application was opposed by some of the local .fanatics, *and amongst others by the “ Salvation Array ” people, who objected that the proposed wine shop was opposite their barracks ! What next, one wonders ? It is highly diverting to find the “ Army ” objecting, considering what a nuisance it has made of itself, as a neighbour, either permanent or temporary,'to a host of resorts where decent people congregate. At one time the band, and particularly the big 'drum, made it almost impossible to hear what Was spoken on , the Opera stage in Auckland,.while here and in many country townships the street crowds and the noise (unmusical and hideous) are a source of constant danger. It is pleasing to be able to add that the Horsham Bench granted the wine license in spite of the big drum propoganda.