CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2293, 11 September 1908, Page 1

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence on public matters is welcomed at all times, but it must bo distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opinions of its correspondents.]

ADVICE TO GISBORNEITES

[To the Editoii.] Sir, —As .a stranger and a visitor who Ims boon well treated during his stay, may 1 be permitted to comment on a few matters of importance to all Gisborneites. Tho first thing that strikes a visitor on arrival at the wharf is tho want of order and- control over the vehicular traffic, people, drays, expresses, and luggage being mixed up in a chaotic mass that leads to much loss of time, congestion, and serious loss of temper. The police officer in charge could easily arrange so that there would be lio block round the enclosure and generally improve matters by his tactful handling of the traffic. Though I made enquiries as to the existence of a branch of the Humane Society 1 was unable to get the information and must infer one does not exist or some limitation would be imposed oil tho grossly cruel drivers of Gisborne who make the day hideous with their loud sounding whip cracks, and their incessant lash, lash of the whips on their horses. Surely, in a sport loviijg part such as this is some sort of control should be exercised over persons who wantonly and without cause flog and illtreat man’s noblest friend. I commend this portion of my letter to the Mayor in the Qiope lie will lend his assistance in stamping out such a degrading state of affairs. Situated ns Gisborne is as regards her port, it would he thought that some give-and-take methods would prevail at tho Post Office, csneeially when tho mail is a clay beilind time, but the usual closing time 5 p.m. was adhered to on Thursday and so thoso having no private boxes missed their right to having their letters delivered until next morning. Re tho Harbor Board and its peddling with un undertaking of practically national importance, I will say little, but it struck me that perhaps the Government of Queensland might lend (for a consideration of course) one ol' their sand dredges, which in one week would move effectually cope with the silt in the cutting than the present primitive appliances will in six months. These remarks are not offered in any carping captious spirit, but rather are the promptings of astonishment at tho magnificence of Gisborne’s surroundings, which ore certainly unknown to most New Zealanders and most decidedly are underestimated by the residents’ of this most bountifully nature-blessed town and district. —I am, etc.. “DOMINION WELL-WISHER.’ ’ l’.S. —Had almost forgotten to mention tho dog nuisance, and hero again tlie Mayor might help to limit tlio number of yelping canines materially with much advantage to motorists, cyclists, and foot-passengers. “D. W.-W.” Gisborne, September 5.

EFFECTS OF NO-LICENSE.

[To the Editor.]

Sir, —Mr Stafford's advocacy of prohibition reminds me of a story winch is rather apropos. A lady had recently engaged a now servant, who was busy at this time sweeping a room. Her mistress said to her; “Bo sure you swoop behind the door, Bridget.” “Sure, Mum, I (always do,” was the reply, “it's a foine place to hide the dir-r-t.” The prohibitionists are running on similar lines. They say in effect, if not in words: “it's no 6in to drink, unless you do it in public.” h’or a long time the prohibition party have been the best friends the publican has had. They havo created a monoply for him ut the public expense in order to make him a rich man. Now they are doing their level best to enrich tlio brewers, who, n prohibition is carried, will sell quite as much, if not more, than formerly, at ail increase of sixpence to one shilling per gallon. If you want to know what a prohibited district can drink, just look at the return of the Ashburton Magistrate’s Court, which shows that,' strictly in accordance with the law, Ashburton has drank its beer by thousands of gallons and its spirits by thousands of bottles. The iliotels >arc closed and the consumption of liquor is on the increase. Consequently, though it may not be seon, drunkenness tnere is on the increase. Now, what do some of the clergy say who have had some experience either in these prohibited areas or are near neighbors'. The Rev. Mr ’Whitehouse, Vicar of Ashburton, in a speech at the Hutt recently, characterised no-license as an utter failure, and said it was time the party tried some less coercive method. Canon Dodd, Rector of Bai.clutha, says: “My district is in a miserable state through prohibition, financially, commercially and morally miserable.” 'flic Rev. Pollock, of Tcmukn, says: “I have revived my right of voting simply to oppose prohibition, because 1 regard it as an attempt to crush free will and to reform morally by law, which is one of tile worst of evils and would produce a mock morality, and would drive the evil in.” The Rev. Mr Ohapple of the Timaru Presbyterian Church jnid that prohibition was raising a false conscience in the Church. As is a man could not be a good Christian if he took a glass of beer or wine. “These be thy gods, 0 Israel.” Now, Mr Stafford, show the world liow the prohibition party dodge these points.—l am, etc., “BRITISHER.”