The White Ribbon. “For God, and Home, and Humanity” WELLINGTON, OCTOBER 1, 1946. THE ROYAL COMMISSION REPORT

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 9, 1 October 1946, Page 4

The White Ribbon. “For God, and Home, and Humanity” WELLINGTON, OCTOBER 1, 1946. THE ROYAL COMMISSION REPORT

It is three years since the Goveminent promised, shortly before the lavt General Klection in September, 1943, to set up a Royal Commission on Licensing. Eighteen months ago the machine was set in motion. An eiu*rnioiis mass of e\idtnce was collected from many sources and has now been collated, with the findings, in a document of something like 250,000 words. A majority, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Justice Smith, Mrs. B. F. Logie. Messrs. I*. Malthus, K. XI. Robinson and J. I*. Ruth, have prepared their report with certain suggestions. Three other members make individual reports, in which criticisms of the majority report are freely made; and the remaining two members are in agreement on the point which is likely to stir up agitation in ail quarters: that of State Control of the manufacture and sale of liquor. The broad issues are: The recommendations made by the majority report of State purchase and control by a public corporation; the “staggering" of hours of k 'ale so that bars will remain open in the evening from eight to ten, with a Saturday period of from noon to "i\ p in.; the ''ale of liquor in restaurants with meals of at least two courses between noon and 2 pin., and between 5.30 and 7 p.rn.; and the issuing of a new type of license for clubs and tourist hotels; with a "distribution Commission” for the review of all licenses in all districts. \s the first suggestion, that of State Control, has been consistently rejected at poll after poll for something like twenty-five years, it is not likely that it will come to pass without a mighty battle. On all sides, it is likely to meet with opposition though for widely varying reasons.

The opening of bars for two hours in the evening is suggested as being a means of reducing the rush before tin closing hour of six. Lurid descriptions are given of the scenes in bars near to closing time. Is it to be expected that opening irom eight to ten will reduce* the amount of drinkingr One lias vivid recollections of street scenes during the days before six o’clock closing. Perhaps drinking will he more “respectable" (lovely word!) than it was then. It is not likely, all the same. I >rinking in restaurants lias been the subject of much comment during the last three years, as seen at Invercargill. One cannot recapitulate it here, but enough is known for it to he clear to all in our Union that it is dangerous in every way; and particularly to young people and women. It it should i>e universally adopted, a gr» at increase in the number of drinkers would *ettainly follow, the herd instinct being wbat it is. The widening of opportunity tor drinking that would he allowed bv the licensing of clubs is a matter for great concern. At present, these are only suggesti »ns. One newspaper remarks, quoting a licensee, that “After all, the Commission’s report might go on the shelf for further consideration, and that n<> action might he taken for a couple of years—if then." Certain helpful suggestions are contained in the report. Mr. Milner, commenting on these, says: “The Commission lias done a useful piece of work upon which they are to he congratulated"; although premising that the Mliance by no means approves of all the suggestions; and very strongly disapproves of some of them. One of the suggestions referred to t'' that of the extension of the period between polls to nine years, and the gaining of a (4Y/r majority to be the condition of carrying Prohibition. “On four occasions," says Mr. Milner, “Prohibition has bad a majority over Continuance ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 votes, and it is felt and still hoped, that this unfair and undemocratic handicap should he removed rather than increased." One very bright spot in the majority report is the freely acknowledged recognition of the need for Temperance education. In agreement with hr. C. V. Bceby, Director of I.djAation, the report states that the teaching of Temperance in the wider sense of

moderation in all things is an essential part of true education, ami should begin in the cradle, though the inculcation of tins general attitude of temperance did not exclude the need for more specific teaching about temperance in relation to alcoholic liquor. A lengthy and comprehensive pronouncement is made on the question of general education of adults, Maoris and young people. The Training College is felt to be a place where attention should he given to the subject and all schools should be in line with the policy of preparing scholars for future life. W e are likely to hear a great deal more as the days go on. The ramifications of each section of the report are almost endless.