Licensing Reform.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 241, 8 September 1884, Page 2

Licensing Reform.

Recently a, -'repot teV ' iifterviewed Bishop" Moorhouse, of !Mpl bourne, to, ascertain his opinions on> the burning* question of- licensing reform. The bishop stated that he was at one time a teetotaller, hue, on medical advice, he now takes a glass of wine rather than diminish his labour. la reply to the question whether he considered the business of a wine merchant or publican sinful, he said that although not sinful, it was a most dangerbUH one,, and had created more misery and moral ruin than almost any of the evil %gencws of modern civilisation. Liquor was useful to some, bi|t Moaflly to very many. He would' reatrict"the evil by. punishing all who- supplied^d rink to drunkards. ' He was' in^favour of a local option, and would grant compensation to those who^'-ilot having broken the law, had -their^* licenses cancelled. Any Vho did nVJt abide by the law had no claim to compensation. Compensation iandsj.could be raised by increasing tne charge for licenses of those remaining ;in the trade, whose business would be great* ly increased by the suppression of other houses. Some wished to sweep away all hotels at once, but unless good ends were attained by just means, the gaining of them would demoralise their, advocates. P The employment of barmaids injured and lowered women m the eyes of men. While sympathising; with the temperance movement and with the efforts of its advocates, he warned them, to avoid making exaggerated statements, which might throw discredit on an otherwise trustworthy narra> tive. •-!'''■ „