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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington N.Z. Vol. 11, No. 1. February 27, 1948

Storm in a Tankard — —1942

Storm in a Tankard

—1942

Hamilton, The President, Students' Association.

Dear Madam or Sir,

In view of the serious situation which is exercising the minds of all women, in New Zealand in regard to the abuse of the licensing laws and the unrestricted sale of liquor, the women of the Walkato have set up an Executive Committee, as the result of a public meeting, which will be known as the Alcoholic Reform Association.

Our platform is:—
(a)We urge Government to reduce the alcoholic content of beer.
(b)We urge Government to strictly enforce the licensing laws.
(c)We urge Government to follow Australia's lead and reduce the manufacture of beer by 33 1-3 per cent.
(d)We urge Government to reduce the hours of the sale of liquor by closing the hotels on Sat-day afternoon.

As unity is strength, we feel sure that the women and men of your district would wish to co-operate with us in this matter, and suggest that you might call a meeting and present our platform. If this is supported by your meeting we would be very pleased to receive your written endorsement. This would naturally strengthen our Association so that eventually we might make representation to the right quarters, when we have gained the whole-hearted support of our women and menfolk.

We are,

Yours faithfully,

In Reply

Dear Madam,

Your letter of the 31st March has been referred to me for reply. My Executive has unanimously rejected the proposals as outlined by your Association, and I have been instructed to state that this Association is not prepared in any way whatever to lend its support to your movement.

It is considered a most inopportune time, when so many of our men are overseas—there are about 360 students from this College alone [unclear: abroac] at present to raise once again such a controversial point as an alteration to the licensing laws. One remembers with some misgivings how similar reforms were urged towards the end of last war, without our men overseas being given an opportunity to express their opinion thereupon. I may say that as the present holders of the N.Z. University Drinking Horn, the students of this College would most emphatically reject any such proposals as laid down by you, whether or not my Executive supported them.

I notice with amusement that you have not bothered to review the question of "tied houses" which, one is compelled to conclude, is probably the greatest factor against a more orderly control of the liquor trade. The [unclear: idefegs] submitted for your attention for what it is worth.

Yours faithfully,

Hon. Secretary.

Much correspondence followed.