TEN O'CLOCK AND ALL'S WELL.

Inangahua Times, Volume IX, Issue 1373, 12 March 1884, Page 2

TEN O'CLOCK AND ALL'S WELL.

(To the Editor, Inangabua Times.) Sir — Whatever might be urged against the 10 o'clock licenses in large cities, where travellers are of necessity arriving at late hours, there can be no reason whatever urged against the closing of all . public houses in Reef ton at the hour of 10, 'as of necessity there is no traffic or travellers after that hour. And even in large cities, where travellers inavoidably arrive at late hours, it is not necessary that hotels should be kept open for general business after 10 o'clock. The attendance of a night porter would meet all exigencies that might occur, and I think our Licensing Committee would do well to adopt without exception the 10 o'clock system. I am satisfied it would act to the advantage of the public, and publicans, were the early closing rule adopted, the sale of liquors after that hour should be strictly prohibited, and any breach thereof made punishable by fine. At present the majority of houses in Reefton are only formally closed at 12 o'clock, but virtually open -all night, as drink can be procured at- all hours. Hence one fertile ; cause ,of many abuses that otherwise might be obviated. I am &c., Observer. Reefton, March Bth, 1884.