A DRY EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 870, 8 November 1906, Page 20

A DRY EXHIBITION.

The special correspondent of the New Zealand “Herald” writing from Christchurch last week, states that exhibitors and other business visitors from Australia and elsewhere complain most bitterly about the prohibition of the sale of alcoholic liquors in the Exhibition. The view seems to be that New Zealand has a perfect right to make and enforce what laws she likes, but that on an occasion such as this some consideration should be shown for her guests. The exhibits of Australian wines, New Zealand beers and cider, and British whisky are there—liquor, liquor, everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Those in charge of the Australian vignerons’ exhibits are very indignant. Mr Scott, who is representing a dozen South Australian vineyards, informed a representative of the “Herald” that the prohibition would not affect exhibitors individually in any .way, because, although they could not introduce their wines to the public by retailing them at wine bars, as was at first understood would be the case, still samples could be given away if that were not construed to be an infraction of the law. It was intended to sell a glass of pure wine for 3d, in order to introduce South Australian vintages to the New Zealand public, but this would no longer be possible. Other representatives of exhibitors of wines and spirits point out that it should have been stated in the original prospectus that no sales of liquor would be permitted within the building, or at least that its sale was contingent upon the decision of the local licensing authorities, and that they were likely to be opposed to granting a license. It is believed, however, that a license will be obtained for the Exhibition restaurant, in order to facilitate the sale of liquor during meal

time, and with meals only. It is, of course, much too early to ascertain the views of visitors from other countries on the subject, although several who have been seen hold that the Licensing Com mittee have gone a little too far in the particular circumstances.