THE NEW YEAR.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 930, 2 January 1908, Page 20

THE NEW YEAR.

Nineteen hundred and eight has arrived ; the old year has worn out. with .that remorseless passing of time which waits for no man. Full of hope as we may be for the New Year, we must look back upon the old year jn a spirit of congratulation to all members of the trade. They are to be congratulated for two very good reasons; firstly, business has been very (good, and a high standard maintained right through the year; secondly, and by no means least, the conduct of the houses in Auckland during the year has been beyond reproach. Certainly we have had a few cases of breaches of the Act, but these have been in the main trivial and unavoidable. Im no instance that we can call to mind has there been a case calling for. the extreme punishment allowed by law, ■ and that ■ is the endorse-, ment of license. The conduct of the houses has not only been good, but most exemplary. Auckland had already a good record, and we are pleased indeed to know that that record still remains when the old year has passed. Business has been so good that in many instances alterations and additions have had to be made to cope with the fast increasing trade. AH such matters have been attended to in the generous spirit which evinces a sound faith in the future of the trade in Auckland, and a determination to do everything possible to provide the public with first class hotels. In this connection and the unquestionable good conduct of the hotels, the Trade have built up for themselves a defence" that will be hard to break down when the next election comes round, and the racoiis voice of the prohibitionist is cawing. We have not space on this page to write down. all. .the good things we wish our friends during the New Year, and want of time and a somewhat limited capacity prevents us from calling on each one. Nevertheless, as if standing hand to hand eye to eye, we heartily wish our readers a happy, prosperous and victorious year in 1908.