The White Ribbon. “For God, and Home, and Humanity” WELLINGTON, DECEMBER 18, 1945 AFTER-HOUR TRADING ATTACKED

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 11, 19 December 1945, Page 4

The White Ribbon. “For God, and Home, and Humanity” WELLINGTON, DECEMBER 18, 1945 AFTER-HOUR TRADING ATTACKED

In a recent issue of the “Beacon" a report was published describing the activities of Temperance Sunday, 1945, as it was observed at the Dunedin Methodist Central Mission. In his address at the evening service, which took the form of a temperance inspirational service, Rev. Harris Whitfield related many startling facts concerning his observation of the corrupting influence and law-defying activities of the liquor traffic. This address aroused considerable interest, and during the following week Rev. Whitfield was approached by several Christian folk who expressed their deep concern at the state of affairs existing in Dunedin.

A group of intertsted people undertook to organise a mass meeting, which was advertised by radio, press and pulpit to he he d in the Octagon Hall on Sunday afternoon. 23rd September. The meeting war attended by people representative of various denominations and temperance organisations. The chairman wa% Professor S. H nter, president of the Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Alliance, and associated with him were the Dominion president of the WCTL\, Mrs W H Hiett, Rev Harris Whitfield and Brigadier Gotfin. More startling facts were related to the meeting concerning he conduct of the liquor trade, and a f *er considerable discussion four of those present were appointed to collect together the facts in the form of a statement for presentation to a specially called meeting of the local branch of New Zealand Alliance. as it was considered that any action taken should l>e through that organisation Brigadier Goffin, of the Salvation Army, urged thesetting-upof a committee of investigation by the New Zealand Alliance, but at no time during this meeting or at any later time was there any “Vigilance Commit-

tee* formed, as has been suggested by the press. During the three w’eeks interval between tne mass meeting and the Alliance meeting, members of the group appointed, together wi.h one or two others, made a tour of some of the hotels in the centre of the city, this being done on two succeeding Friday evenings between the hours of 7.30 and 9pm We did not need further evidence to convince us that after-hour trading was a common practice, but it was felt that we could bring a stronger case before the New Zealand Alliance if our statement was supported by definite facts and figures. Our approach was made direct, and we were known to the “scouts” employed by the hotels, and to at least one licensee. On one or two occasions warning was given to the hotels, advising them that men were unlawfully on their premises, and at other times the police authorities were contacted and requested to take action. The police were given the name and address of the informant. Warnings given were almost invariably followed by an immediate exodus of men. On one occasion we witnessed a visit by the police to several of the hotels and it was observed that whereas eivilian* were given immediate entry in response to their ringing, yet it was fully three minutes before the police ring was answered. Is there not a confession of gtult implied, that hotelf should let mer. out by a bark door while the police were awaiting admission at the front' On this particular occasion our presence and identity were made known to the officers of the law after their visit to the hotel It was tacts and figures relating to these investigations that were brought before the meeting of the Alliance, and a prominent city solicitor, himself a member of the Alliance, was present at the meeting to hear our statement and to give his expert advice as to what action could be taken. He was impressed by some of the figures and facts related, and undertook to examine the evidence and to advise whether legal action was justified We also had a lengthy interview with an officer of the law in connec ion with our complaints and he appeared to give a sympathetic hearing to our statements. Our activities evidently put the “wind up” the trade, as it was learnt that for some weeks following our investigations it was difficult for anyone desiring a drink after hours to gam admittance to any hotel in the city area. We believe that our action was in order and the fulfilment of a moral *

duty. Whatever views may be held by

the trade, the press and the man in the street regarding six o'clock closing, the fact remains that it is law*, and the hotel-keeper is as much bound to comply with the law as any other citizen or shop-keeper. Six o’clock closing, introduced as part of the war-time legislation of 191/, has been regarded as a measure of temperance reform, and are not churches and temperance organisations under a moral obligation to see that this reform is honoured, and the law kept ? As the name of Rev. Harris Whitfield has been prominent in the press attacks, may I, in conclusion, express a personal te'timony to the ministry and influence of Rev. Whitfield. His earnestness and consecrated gifts are known to many, and nerd no defence. But may I be permitted to >ay that the work that he has undertaken, outside the immediate sphere ot his own church activities, has never been allowed to interfere in any way with his primary duty of leading in the spiritual activities of the Central Mission and of winning souls for his Lord and Master. —Cliff W. Scarf.