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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 645, 11 August 1891, Page 2

THE desire for rushing in new laws has grown to such an extent in the colony that no one will be much surprised at a measure introduced by Mr Shera. He has introduced into the (House a Bill which provides that no person shall be imprisoned for being drunk in a publid

place, nor for being a habitual drunkard. An inebriate—may be apprehended by any policeman, and a Justice of the Peace may commit him to the nearest inebriates’ home for one day, or fine him 20s and costs, and may order him to pay the expenses of removal, and maintenance during the period for which he shall be committed. On a second conviction the inebriate shall be liable to be sent to the inebriates’ home for any period not exceeding six months and not less than fourteen days ; on a third conviction not less than four months and not greater than twelve months. The relatives of such an inebriate shall be liable for costs of maintenance. If the inebriate refuses to do work at the home he may be sent to gaol for any period not exceeding four days. Any person against whom a prohibition order has been issued, may be ordered by the Justices to be sent to a home for any period not exceeding twelve months. A Resident Magistrate may commit any person who injures himself by drinking to a home. These homes are to be maintained by a duty on all tickets, passes, writings, or papers, entitling to admission to any opera, circus, theatre, or other place of public amusement, the amusement whereof is provided by visitors to New Zealand, who have not been resident in this colony for six months.

There are some points in the Bill that are perhaps worthy of discussion, and there are some points not entitled to be seriously considered. Some people have now enough heart-burnings through the intemperate habits of one or more of their relations, but if this Bill became law they might emigrate at once, or ruination would ever threaten them in the costs they might have to bear. An industrious and thrifty man, who perhaps finds himself already handicapped, would possibly find all his savings for years eaten up by a debauch of a few of his relations. Mr Shera ought to try again, and see if he cannot suggest something better with which to adorn our statute book.