LICENSING COMMITTEE

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 861, 8 April 1903, Page 3

LICENSING COMMITTEE

(To the Editor Gisborne Times.)' Sir, —After the great stir and commotion caused by the hardly-fought contost between tho prohibitionists and the anti-prohibitionists, and tho interest also displayed in tho nominations of members of tho Licensing Committee, it seems strange to me to read in your paper, that, at tho first meeting of the uowly-elocted and greatly-honored Committee (considering the importance of their office), several members were “ missing.” Surely persons who seek a seat on a Committee which is supposed to have the interest of the district at heart, and after being entrusted with the “ public's ” confidence, neglect to attend the first meeting, should in some way bo censured for their apathy. I should suggest that a public meeting be called for the purpose of protesting against this neglect ; but I suppose, like all public bodies, self-interest and comfort come first. If the absent members had been forced into their position one could understand their neglect, but their election wholly depends upon their agreoing to be nominated. I might say that I think if members received a guinea for every attendance thoro would be few vacant chairs. Perhaps the Waipau Reform Loaguo would make it ono of their duties to see that all members of tho Licensing Committee wore in their seats at the proper time on meeting days. —I am, etc., Salus Populi Suprema Lex.