WOMAN’S FRANCHISE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 679, 12 March 1903, Page 22

WOMAN’S FRANCHISE.

So much has been said and written lately of the probable baneful effect the granting of the woman’s franchise will have on the liquor trade in all its branches that is worthy of serious consideration by al) interested. Although I am opposed •''> what used to be called “ woman’s rights ” in that form, for .various reasons I do not take such a pessimistic view of the matter as a great many do. Women (of course not all) since their emancipation from the thraldom of man rule, have become private drinkers. I do not say this offensively, but diplomatically, and with all seriousness, nor do I mean that they have become great drinkers, although I fear, in many instances that is the case. Now, to look at the position logically. I Opine that the majority being consumers of liquor themselves (moderate and immoderate), th'ey are not at ail likely to support by their votes the extremists or “no drink party,” but will record them fairly and reasonably according to their sense of what is right and just. I personally think that before passing tte bill provision should be made in it, making it compulsory for all women to record their votes, otherwise the management of the liquor traffic may be entirely in the hands of those young-old spinsters and childless matrons, whose apparent mission, in this world is not toi perpetuate the species, or to brighten a home, hut to guard the morals and regulate the actions of the rest of mankind, and to demonstrate their superiority in pious intelligence. We have also to contend against the masculine-feminine man, whose long course of hen-peckedness has subordinated his will to woman, and also the weak-kneed, vacillating politician. The majority -of women may go to the polls, but will consult their men-folk what to do when they -get there. They mtist be educated from the licensed victuallers’ point of view as well as ' from the prohibitionists’.—(“ A.B. Journal.”)

The New Zealand correspondent of the Australian “ Brewers' Journal ” writes - “ There has, of course, been much talk of reform of the Trade since the local option poll was taken, and much advice offered to publicans from the press, pulpit, and platform as to setting their houses in order to meet the new condition of things. The licensed victualler has been advised by his best friends to observe the law even to the strictest letter of t, and not give way to sell on Sundays and. after hours. And the licensee has been quick enough to see that the advice is not only meant well, but that it is good. Licensed victuallers’ associations in all the centres and many of the other towns of the colony have held special meetings on the subject, and have resolved that every member of . the Trade should strictly carry out the. licensing laws, avoid any possibility of illegal Sunday trading, and decfine to serve travellers with drink. Some of the meetings set up a vigilance committee to see that the resolutions were loyally carried out, and the Christchurch association issued a circular to everyone engaged in the Trade, urging thern to use every legitimate effort to prevent the slightest breach occurring in their houses. The Wellington licensed victuallers entered into an agreement to faithfully observe the law in regard to Sunday trading and prompt closing hours.

It is doubtful whether the majority of ■ general readers of to-day know that being “in merry pin,’ which our grandfathers often were by candlelight, referred to the custom, and its effects, of drinking down to a pin in a large drinking pot, failure to do so or going beyond the mark resulting in a forfeit paid into a pool, expended. a& a rule, in a fresh pot. They were fond of ale, these “ rude forefathers of ours, and have left their appreciation embalmed in the old verse—

He that buys land buys many stones ; He that buys fish buys many bones : He that buys eggs buys many shells ;. But he that buys good ale buys nothing else.

The Princess Hotel, Terrace End, near Palmerston, has changed hands, Mr fl attersall having disposed of his interest to Messrs Barford Bros.