Statistics (with some additions) given in evidence before a Select Committee of the House of Commons on Public Houses

Abstract

The drinking customs of our people destroy an amount of property so enormous, and turn into unproductive channels so large a portion of the earnings of all classes, as to render it a hopeless task to create a wise and proper distribution of the annually gathered up resources of the country, so long as these customs shall be allowed to fritter away, and render altogether useless those products of industry, which would otherwise be made available as individual and national capital, in the production of added wealth, that would again, by calling into activity, and abundantly remunerating the industry of our people, soon contribute to lessen, if not entirely do away with, the vice and misery which are now so prevalent, and which entail heavy burthens on the industrious and prudent portions of society. In June lust I was summoned to London, to give evidence before the Parliamentary Committee on public houses. I was informed that the Committee were desirous to obtain information as to the results of opening our Zoological Gardens to the public on Sundays, at the small charge of one penny, which privilege was granted by the Council in the year 1840, and which measure, in conjunction with our much respected brother member, Doctor Ball, I was instrumental in bringing under the notice of that scientific body. I was also advised that I should be questioned as to my views respecting the public house system, and on the temperance reformation generally. Some of the statistics which follow were prepared by me for that occasion.