30 APRIL 1904, Page 29

Sin,—As one interested in the wine and spirit trade, I

agree generally with your article on this subject, bat I wish to add a suggestion to it. In the course of a year a great many publicans are unable to meet their engagements, and either go through the Bankruptcy Court or make compositions with their creditors. In these cases it is quite obvious that the licenses cannot be wanted, and that their renewal simply plays into the hands of the owners of "tied" houses, a monopoly that ought to be checked, and not encouraged. I would add a clause to the Licensing Bill that when a publican became bankrupt or made a composition with his creditors, his license should be confiscated at once.—I am, Sir, &c., WINE MERCHANT.