THOUGHTS ON (original) (raw)

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Fri 21 Feb 1862 - The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)
Page 5 - THOUGHTS ON "SPIRIT-LAPPING."

THOUGHTS ON " SPITUT-LAPPING."

YOUR recent article levelled at the monster-vice

of intemperance, that hane and curse of our

community, has not, I trust, heen wholly with-

out effect. At all events, you are not^ charge-

able with indifference, or even desponding sub-

mission, to the tyranny of an evil custom. You

have shown the complicated mischiefs which

hard drinking entails, both on individuals and

on the public-the sin, the folly, and the cost.

Such protests are ever right and wholesome ;

yet, unhappily, they are generally least

felt by those whom they most con-

cern. The considerations with which they

deal are so obvious and undeniable, that

they are apt to be thrown aside as truisma or

commonplaces. Moreover, to be habitually in-

temperate is to have revolted from the dominion

of reason-to defy the law of probabilities,

and ignore the results of calculation. And

hence the ordinary arguments against^ excess,

though they may confirm the principles of

steady and rational men, and occasionally

strengthen feebler minds in their resistance to

temptation, fall powerless on men already em

bruted by sottish habits.

Still some good is doubtless effected by

earnest and argumentative remonstrance. And

I think that good might be increased by

occasional statistical summaries, showing

the actual number of cases in

which drunkenness is known to have occasioned

death or ruin-the number of offences against

the law which it has prompted or aggravated,

and the like details of an evil which is gene-

rally contemplated only in the_ gross. My pre-

sent purpose, however, is to invite attention to

certain matters connected with the subject

which appear to me to suggest some useful

palliathes attainable through social or legisla-

As you, Sir, have most justly observed, the

" upper ten thousand " cannot here, as they can

in England, speak of intemperance as a plebeian

vice, and thank God that they are not as their

humble brethren aie. There are too many

offenders among us who "put an enemy into

their mouths to steal away their brains,"

without being able to plead in excuse

either the fewness of their physical luxuries or

the scantiness of their mental resources. But I

would carry this observation yet further, and

remaik that our working classes have hardly

fair play in this matter. Paradoxical as the

statement may at first seem, their actual ex-

cesses in drinking are by no means so great as

might naturally be inferred fiom the prevalence

of drunkenness. A dram, save in a few excep-

tional cases, is at the best a mischievous stimu-

lant-but in the world of drams, as in Milton's

Pandemonium, there are various grades of bad

spirits ; and the labouring man may justly com-

plain, that by no fault of his own those

which are permitted to enter into him

are generally of the very worst. In a vast

majority of cases, especially at a distance from

the metropolis, the stimulants furnished to him

ere not merely ardent spirits, but the rankest

products of the distillery, drugged with, all

manner of deleterious ingredients. So filled,

the cup of Circe need be but a small one to

produce a swinish transformation in the in"

cautious drinker. The result compendiously

attained, is intoxication in the original and

proper meaning of the word-an overpowering

of the senses by poisonous drugs. I have

frequently heard advocates in Australian courts

of justice expending much ingenuity in cross

examining a witness who has unconsciously

sustained or inflicted some grievous wrong during

the phrensy or helplessness of inebriety. He

confesses to two, perhaps three, " nobblers," and

it is assumed that a far greater quantity must

have been imbibed to account for the violent

effects produced. Yet it is by no means impro-

bable that the luckless witness is telling the

simple truth, and Ras been utterly oveicome by

a gill of bad rum or gin, plus an unknown

quantity of some noxious chemical agent, intro-

duced for purposes of adulteration. After

no little observation and enquiry, and after re-

peatedly sipping detestable compounds vended

to the labouring classes under vatious high

sounding titles-compounds of which no bribe

should have induced me to swallow a single

glass, I unhesitatingly declare my belief that

a very large proportion of the physical

evils entailed on the humbler classes

by drinking, arise not from the quantity but from

the quality of the liquors fraudulently or reck-

lessly supplied to them. The brain and the

stomach are warred upon by unsuspected

enemies, far more malignant than alcohol, and

many a poor fellow suffers the extreme penalties

of bottishnes8 without having been in fact a

hard drinker. Herein lies that want of fair play

of which I spoke. A. gets sound brandy from

his wine merchant, and uses it pretty freely

without traceable injury and without a suspicion

of intemperance. B. (a digger) imbibes but

half the same daily stint at the grog-shop, and

goes rapidly to the " bow-wows," the victim of

what it is a mockery to call sloto poison.

It avails little to say the working classes

ought to observe these things, and to be on their

guard accordingly. In the first place, the

adulteration of which I have spoken is not uni-

versal, nor in its worst forms even general.

How is the tired labourer to know that " Old

Tom," at the " Pig and Tinderbox," is eminently

deleterious, while his namesake at the "Original

Pig" hardly travels beyond the limits of the

legitimate dram ?-that the " genuine Jamaica

rum" at the "Boot-jack and Countenance" is

merely raw and fiery, while that at the " Black

Boy and Stomachache " is rank with tobacco

juice and vitriol ? Or again, what if he have only

" Hobson's Choice" as to his place of refection ?

What if his perceptions be dull, and his

palate uneducated ? The case is one in which

it is most unlikely, however desirable, that the

patient should minister to himself.

In oider to a better state of things, the first

desideratum is an accurate chemical analysis of

numerous samples obtained at various " bars "

both in Sydney and the provinces. If two or

three of our scientific men would undertake the

investigation of this subject with the same

spirit which Dr. Lefheby brought to the

analysis of the Lcridon groceries, a threefold

ad^antage would be gained. In the first place,

the fear of exposure would make adulterators

cautious-they would curtail the dishonest por-

tion of their gains rather than risk the- loss

I of all. Secondly, the least reckless of

our dram-drinkers might be startled

into something like discretion by an

authentic statement of the sort of abomi-

nations which they are in constant dangei of

swallowing. And finally, a solid basis would

be laid for legislation on a subject to which, in

some form or other, the attention of the Govern-

ment and Legislature must sooner or later be

For the present, Sir, I shall content my-

self with having indicated in general ternis

a source too often overlooked, of grievous wrong

and mischief. Some of your public spirited

correspondents will, I trust, furnish fyou with

.cases in point from*their own observation. In

I particular, I could wish that some one well ac-j

j quainted with the mining districts would throwj

a light on the mystery of " hocussing," as con-,

nected with the|three days' madness of a digger's

spree. The whole subject ia a painful one, but

as you well know, Sir, a wound must be

thoroughly probed before there can be a reason-

able hope of effecting a cure.

I cannot close this letter without adverting to

one hopeful symptom in Australian potation. I'

mean, the increased consumption of our own

colonial wines. The best of these may already*

vie with almost anything that we import-while

even the poorest in a warm climate area whole-

some and refreshing beverage when compared

to the ordinary " firewater " of inferior grog-

shops. Let our leading growers only persevere

in improving their processes-price their wines

carefully in reference to their quality, and be

careful in the choice of accredited agents in the

chief provincial towns as well as in Sydney, and

I believe we shall ere long see drams at a dis-

count, and delirium tremens erased from the list

of our " cherished institutions."

MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO -The council met on the 16th

instant for the purpose of hearing the state of the poll, swearing

in the newly elected members, and electing a chairman, The

returning officer then came forward and said that the candidates

polled the following numbers, viz- Mr Sparks, 129; Mr,

Bryant, 101; Mr Moon, 84; Mr Steward, 84; Mr Powell, 82;

Mr Davis, 80; and declared Messrs Sparks, Bryant, Moon, and

Steward, tobe duly elected. After the poll had been declared,

the newly elected members took their declaration of office and

seat Messrs Moon and Steward having polled an equal number

of votes, drew lots for Mr Charet's seat for two years, when it fell

to Mr Moon. The minutes of the last meeting were read and

confirmed The chairman then left the chair, and the council

clerk was moved into it. Councillor Hawksley moved, "That a

vote of thanks be awarded to the chairman for his valuable ser-

vices in the chair during the past year" Councillor Rostron

seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously Councillor

Rostron moved, "That the chairman be now elected by ballot "

Councillor Oates seconded the motion. Councillor Moon moved,

as an amendment, "That the chairman be elected by a show of

hands " Councillor Steward seconded the amendment, which was

negatived, and the original motion was carried. Councillor West

moved, "That councillor Geddes be chairman for this year"

Councillor Bryant seconded the motion. Councillor Rostron

moved, "That councillor Hawksley be chairman for this year"

Councillor Oates seconded the motion Councillor Hawksley de-

clined to oppose councillor Geddes as chairman Councillor

Geddes was, therefore elected chairman for the year 1862,

unanimously. Council then adjourned until tho 18th.

On Tuesday the 18th, the council met, pursuant to adjournment

Present - The chairman, councillors Hawksley, Bryant, Sparks,

Moon, West, Rostron, Steward and Oates. The minutes of the

last meeting were read and confiimed, The chairman then

handed in his declaration of office, Councillor Hawksley, on behalf

of the late chairman, handed the chairman the seal of the

Municipality, and the Governor General's letter authorising the

council to borrow money. A letter was read from Mr Bridge,

which was referred to the Improvement Committee, Councillor

Rostron presented a petition from certain ratepayers of Wyndham

street, which was ordered to stand over until next meeting

Councillor Rostron moved, "That a By-law Com-

mittee be now appointed, that such committee con-

sist of the chairman, and councillors Hawksley and

West" Councillor Hawksley seconded the motion, carried.

Councillor West moved, " That a Finance Committee be now ap-

pointed , that such committee 'consist of councillors Steward,

Bryant, and Rostron " Councillor Oates seconded the motion ,

carried. Councillor Hawksley moved, "That an Improvement

Committee" be now appointed, that such committee consist of

councillor Sparks, Moon, and Oates " Councillor West seconded

the motion Councillor Steward moved, as an amendment, "That

the whole council be the Improvement Committee " Councillor

Rostron seconded the amendment, which was negatived, and the

original motion was carried Councillor Oates moved, "That

councillor West be treasurer for this year Councillor

Hawksley seconded the motion, carried. Councillor Steward, as

chairman of the Finance Committee, presented sundry accounts,

amounting to £12. 15s, and moved "that they be paid." Coun-

cillor Bryant seconded the motion, carried. Council then

W UEKIFV MuNicirviiTT-The Municipal Comic 1 held its

first meeting alter the annual elections, on Thursday, the 13th

in taut. Present-Councdlors Smith, A ickery, Watkins, Dickson,

Siuurons, Campbell, Browne, Bally, and Taylor It was moved

bv councillor Smith, seconded by councilloi Baily, and earned,

' That councillor \ lckerj be appointed chairman pro teni" The

minutes of the proceedings of last meeting lead and confirmed

the official returns of tht late elections, received from the re-

turning officer, Charles St. Julian, Esq , wero laid on the table by

councillor Vickery, certifying the following person» as having

been duly elected as councillors-Charles Browne, 1 »q, elected

foi Bondi "VVard, Edmond John Baily, Lsq, for Waverley

Vari , Thomas Taylor, Esq, elected for »s elson Ward The fol-

lowing gentlemen elected as auditors to this municipality ,10,

Bulford, Esq, and Alfred Allen, Lsq The council thtu pro-

ceeded to the election of their chairman. It waa mov ed by coun-

cillor Smith, and seconded by councillor W atkins, " That coun-

cillor Edmond John Baily be elected the chairman of this muni

«palltv for the ensuing municipal year" Debato ensued

The following amendment thereon was moved by councilloi

Simmons, seconded by councillor Campbell, " That councillor

Charles Browne be elected chairman of this municipality for the

current year " Tbo amendment negatived The original motion

put and carried unanimously, Tna official declaration ot the

acceptance of the office of chairman to this municipals j, was

then duly made before John Birrell, E«q , J P , by councillor

Ldmond John Baily, w ho then took the chair, the chau mau pro

ici« and the seveial members present congratulating him on his

| election to theoffice The chairman hav ing returned thanks for the

many ¡I ind cxprcsions used, then proceeded w ith tht ordinary

business Conespondencc -1st Heading copy of a letter for

?wardid since last meeting to the Honorable the Colonial

Trta«urei , 2nd Irom the treasury, foi warding warrant tor the

payment of Government eiidswnicnt, amounting to £363 15s

notified motions -1 wo notices of motion for consideration at the

nest meeting, were handed in by councillor Dickson-one by

councillor Smith-two also by councillor Vckcry-and one by

tounrilloi Browne The council then rose-A meeting of the

municipal council w as held on the 18th instant Present The

chamnin (Mr 1 J Baily), councillors \ickeij, Smith, Watkins,

Lutkson, lnylor, Brow ne, and Simmons The minutes of the last

meeting were read and confirmed. In pursuance of notice giv cn

at la«t meeting, it was mov ed by councillor Dickson, "That tho

follow ing councillors form the permanent committee« for the year

1SG" -lint rov ement-councillors Smith, dickery, and Watkins,

Finance-councillors Browne, Dickson, and Campbell, By-law

councillors Bully, Simmons, and Taj lor " Debate ensued. Coun-

cilloi Blow ne movtd, as au amendment, "that the name of

counci loi lavier be substituted for that of councilloi Smith as a

member ot linprov ement Committee, and that councillor Smith

be appointed to the Bj law Committee " The amendment put

and negatived Debate proceeded A fuither amerdment was

then moved by councillor lajlor, "That the following

councillors be appointed members of the stand ig com-

mittee' -Improvement-taylor, 'Vickcrj, and Watkins,

Finance-Biownc, Simmons and Campbell, By law

Baih, Dicksou.J and Smith This amendment wa« also put and

uegativ ed The original motion put and can led Councillor

Dickson then moved, "That councillor Simmons be re-appointed

treasurei to thrs municipality , " question put and carried unani-

mously. Moved bj councilloi Smith and resolved, " Tua» a

special committee consisting of the thairman, councillors \ ickcry,

and the mov cr be appointed for the purpose of taking into consi-

deration the financial condition of tho muirrcipality, ana report to

this oouncil as speedily as possible, with such lecoinmendations

asthej maj consider neecsarj for the future" The following

motion-was then mov ed bj councillor \ickery, " That the chair-

man, with councillor Walter Smith and the mov er, be appointed

a sptcial committee to wait upon the Minister for Lands, toie

quest the Gov ernment to dedicato that portion of Goi ernment land

lying m tbo south-west corner of our boundary, for the purpose

of public recreation, w atcr supply, and commonage for the inhabi-

tants of thrs munrcrpaltty, and to place the same under the control

of this council " Debate ensued An amendment was mov ed hy

councdlor Brow ne, " That the chairman, with councillors Camp,

bell and the mover ofjthc resolution, form the committee for the

purposes named therein " Amendment negatived Original

motion put and carried. Councillor Simmons handed in his

resignation of the office to whrch he had been elected os a member

ot the By-law Committee Three notices of motion for considera-

tion at ncj.t meeting were given by councillor Smith It was

then moved by councillor Mckcry,;and'rcsoli ed -"1 Thatthere

be laid on the table of this council a full return of all tools and

implement«, purchased for the use of this municipality since its

incorporauon, 2 A full return of all tools and implements now

in possession or the council " The chaumon, in compliance with

the foregoing resolution, laid upon the tablo for inspection the

above returns. Councillor Browne gave notice for a call of tho

council for i txt meeting to rescind a clarice iu the By-laws. The

GIEBE MUMCIPAUIY-Ata meeting of the council, held in

the Council Chamber, on lhursday, tht 13th instant-piesent,

councillors Allen, Blacket, Korff, Plnhej, Harwood, Brown,

Thornley, Simpson, and Elphinstone-Mr W, T Pmheywas

moved li the chair Councillors Pmhey, Simpson, Harwood, aud

Allen laid upon the table their declaration of office. Moved by

Mr. Thornley, and seconded by Mr. Korff, and carried

unanimously, "That Mr G M lgnin Allen be appointed chairman

foi the ensuing year " At a meeting of tbo council, held in the

same place, on the 17th-present, the chairman, and councillors

Pinhey, Korff, Harwood, Thornley, Brown, Simpson, and Elphin-

stone-the minutes of the last two meetings were read and signed,

and the chairman laid upon the table his declaration of office

Xhe Finance Committee's reports of the 24th mid 31st January,

and 7th and 14th February, were laid upon the table and adopted.

A petition was received from thirty residents of Trancis-street,

playing foi the erection of a gas lamp m the centre of that

street referred to the Lighting Committee fer their tepoit A

petition was rcceiv ed from James Ashdown, Inborn cr, complain-

ing that he had been dismissed, and praying that the Council w ill

enquire into the case and grant him redress referred to the Im-

provement Committee for their report The following letters'

were then read-1, Fiom S H, Terry, claiming compensation for

the alleged damage done to his property at the Glebe The coun-

cil clcik was directed to inform bun that thocouncrl îecogniscs

no claim whatever for compensation. 2, From the Gas Companj,

in reference lo the gas lamp at the corner of Bay and Glebe

streets referred to the Lighting Committee 3 and 4 From the

Under-bccrctary to thcTrcasurj, in reference to the claim for

endowment fergus rate, to which the chairman reported he hnd

replied (leplies read), and also stated that he had seen the

Colonial Treasurer on the subject, who informed him that

n clause would be inserted in the new bill to prov ide for such en-

dowment. Toe chairman reported that, in answer to hrs npplica

non, he had received two copies of the electoral list for 18G2-3,

which tho council clerk was instructed to exhibit at the Council

Chambers for inspection, and to insert an adv ortiseaient Btatmg

that thej were lj ing there for inspection, lu the absence of Mr.

Blacket, it was moved by Mr Korff, and seconded bj Mr. Pinhev,

' That the Improvement Committee for the ensuing year consist

of Messrs f hornley, Brown, Blacket, and Elphinstone, and that

the Lighting Committee consist of the same councillors," carried.

Moved by Mr. ¿hornley, and seconded bv Mr Korft, "That the

1 inancc Committee for the ensurng year consist of tho chairman,

and councillors Korff, Pinhey, Simpson, nnd Harwood," earned.

Moved by Mr Thornley, nnd seconded by Mr Pinhey, "That

the As'CBsment Committee consist of councillors Blacket, Brown,

Elphinstone, and the mover, " carried. Moved by Mr. Thornlej.

nnd seconded by Mr Pinhej, "That Mr E T. Blacket bo ap

pointed treasurer for the ensuing v ear " , corned Moved by Mr.

Xhorulcy, and seconded bj Mr Korff, "That the Improvement

Committee be instructed to advertrso for tenders for 200 to 500

tons ironstons", earned Moved by Mr. Elphinstone, and

seconded bj Mr Brown, "That Mr Blacketts motion, passed on

the 9th December last, for the gas rate to be fixed for tho nott

six mouths at 2d. in the £, be rescinded, and that the rate for the

next six months do stand as formerly at Id In f-o £ ", negntrved

nyes, Mcssra Elphinstone and Brown, noes, Mc«srs Simpson,

Pinhey, Korft, Harwood, and Thornley Mev ed bv Mr. Pmhoj

seconded by Mr Brown, "That MesBis Ashdown and Co 's

aocount in referente to the purchase of a crab winch be roforred

to the Improvement Committee for thou; tepoit", carried,