What Do the People Of Invercargill Really Think about Their Licensing Trust?
Welcome To The Unnofficial Survey of the Invercargill Licensing Trust - The one they don't want you to see!
The ILT has a long and unique history with the people of Invercargill
Latest Comments Previous comments Earliest comments
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Run out of steam? Its just starting to simmer!
Bob, Invercargill
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I agree that this chatroom has run out of steam. The issues are quite simple, no need to keep repeating them.
The time has come for the next phase, I and I think that it should be a debate on local TV.
I will contact the local TV station to see whether they are prepared to host such a program, it could be part of an existing phone in program or a special one off.
Another thing that could be done is to send in your comments to the ILT's own website, paid for with your money I might add. Tell them what you think. I have sent in a comment, but unlike this website, the ILT have chosen not to publish it.
Also, the Southland Times has remained very quiet about the fact that this anti ILT survey even exists, too frightened to upset them, I wonder.
Another thing each of us can do is to write to the Southland Times, if you get no joy, then write to other newspapers.
The truth will come out in the end.
I hope you are all keeping up the good work, by not buying your liquor at the ILT's booze barns which belong in the six o'clock swill era. There are also alternatives to the ILT's establishments when it comes to evening entertainment. Don't be subjected to watching rugby on large screen TV, or loud music only suitable for adolescents.
Finally, the issues are quite simple, it not about money, it is about freedom of choice.
It is unfortunate that the citizens of Invercargill have descended into a state of lassitude brought about by years of dependency on the ILT. Time to wake up, give up being beneficiaries, see that there are alternatives, and smell the coffee, as they say.
Cheers John
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Come on guys, why not try working with the Trust? They are our Trust after all.
Ewan, Heidelberg
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Pete, as you suggested, I tried filling in the ILT's own questionnaire. I cant work it out properly. Why dont they show the results? I would rather have my say here. They don't open their mouths to change feet.
Steff. Invers
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Just be considerate - people like Pete stand to have their employment in jeapardy when the petition takes place.
Keira, Invers
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The ILT has a fantastic history here in the town with magnificent contributions far over and above financial - they assist in planning, managing and advising charities as well. There are many 'soft' benefits that this town takes for granted.
Joan, Invercargill
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Dont you think you are being a little short sighted with this lynch mob mentality towards the Trust? I am in no doubt that the Trust watches this site very closely and will be monitoring the feelings. they will change. Read Leonards post earlier on - the town with a good Trust could be a great place. It just needs to get there.
Jack, Grasmere
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Attention Invercargill! Please read my post! Action required! We need to do something - this survey has raised too many questions!
I think I was like many others in the town - kind of indifferent about what the Trust did and what it brought to the table - our table. Having watched this site now for a while I am becoming increasingly convinced that the town is being held back by a poorly constructed, run and marketed Licensing Trust using our money for power and influence to manipulate and steer media, debate and emotion of & for the towns patrons. It would seem to do this by spending our money with their buddies in all the right places - places where money talks.
To be honest, my colleagues and I have remained amazed that the ILT has allowed this site to continue - but not as amazed at the Southland Times' absolute stonewalling. As I said, power and financial influence reign supreme. What has disappointed me has been the arguments used, on this site, to defend the Trust. Come on, surely there is something better than 'the trust is good its what we want'. Not only is this no defence at all, it seems to be becoming more and more of a minority. Unequivocally, this site and its freedom of speech is having significant impact around the town. People are talking about the Trust, what it does, and, more specifically, how it does it. More importantly, as John reminds us, there is a much bigger and more important issue - the issue of right and wrong, of freedom to choose - of a meritocracy.
This is starting to feel, to me, like many South Africans must have felt during the apartheid years 'this is wrong, but I cant be bothered to do anything about it' or, even worse and just as relevant in this case 'This is wrong but there is no way to do anything about it - the powers that be will not allow change' But this is not 80's South Africa, this is New Zealand and its the year 2006. We have a huge responsibility to ourselves and our future generations. Am I being over-dramatic? Am I? Where does freedom start and end? Who should decide on these matters? If we don't, we are just as guilty of the apathy shown by the South Africans. I have lived in Invercargill all my life and I know a number people in the town who are close to the senior management of the Trust, the Board and the supporting 'aristocracy' and not one of them have been able to deny that all of them are on a very good wicket - either as wages or perks or, insidiously, back-handers. As the headline in the Express said (and well done Hamish McNeilly and the Express where I learnt about this survey - the country needs far more real reporting like this with bravery and transparency) 'Survey raises Trust boss ire'. You bet. When I first read that report it felt like the survey people were trying to get the Trust to 'buy off' the bad press they were receiving. Now I have had a chance to look and think, I can see the real legitimacy in what the survey intends to achieve. I believe 'Talking Shop' is thoroughly entitled to sell this site to the Trust, it has done some significant work here, spending time, money and effort putting it up and keeping it going. In fact, if the Trust does not buy this survey and utilise the findings (and it shouldn't be allowed to use the findings if it doesn't buy it) it is sending some very nasty signals to the people of Invercargill, like me, who have taken the trouble and time to say our piece. It is undiluted arrogance - just like the South African Government used to show towards its people and the rest of the world (except the ones with their hands in the pockets of that government, just like here).
Need any more evidence that things need to change? Ok, try these:
From our reckoning, many of the questions set in this survey directly reflect some of the goals of the ILT. Have a look at their site - quality hospitality venues, selling alcohol responsibly and employing 625 people etc. According to this survey, the score isn't great . What is their response? Nothing.
Secondly, they claim to take great interest in making sure they meet our needs and listen. They have started a survey of their own. Now for an organisation with the resources that they have (a virtual monopoly), and, if what they say is true and they are always trying to meet our needs, how come their survey is so poorly designed and doesn't work? They clearly have NO experience in conducting surveys, and can never have done before. Don't believe me? Try to do their survey, either online or in paper. Ok, there are sort of 10 fields and one for our own suggestions, and they ask for ratings 1-11, but there is no explanation of how to rate the choices. 1 could be high or low. Also, it doesn't appear to matter where you are from. I would have thought it should be limited to Invercargill city citizens. Not so. To prove the point, a few of us purposefully entered the survey - I did twice (with different email addresses), with the scores set in one with 1 for high and in the other with 1 for low, just to be sure I was getting my message across. No problem, I am in to win the holiday to Chch! Twice! One of my colleagues is from out of town. No problem, he is in to win too!
Sadly, then, if we can do this, others can too, and probably have. I hope, for all our sakes, they don't intend to use the results of their survey for deciding how to spend our money. Oh dear. What an absolute mess. And we paid for that too.
I welcome debate here on any of the issues I raised. In fact it is essential. We need the portals to do so - like this site. But first of all, please think about what you are going to say. Come up with something which has some real merit to it. Not 'they give lots of money back from gambling.' they are supposed to give money back from gambling. If they don't, where is it going? Honestly. They must think we are stupid.
Invercargill, are we?
"Ira", working in professional services, in Invercargill
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There seem to be fewer and fewer posts in support of the ILT. I guess both of them are just above this kind of thing.
Ver, Invers
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Just to go back to one of my earlier comments, has anything been done about trying to organise a debate on local TV ?
I would envisage a panel with a representatives from the ILT, the main beneficiaries, the liquor industry, the hospitality industry, the promoters of this site, the City Council, and the any other interested party.
Each would have a set time to expound their point of view, then they would each have to front up to questions.
I still say, why would anyone want to kill off private enterprise in order to create a nanny state.
Why have the general population of Invercargill become so dependant on this nanny state.
Why can the people of Invercargill not overcome their inertia and do away with the ILT, they seem to have descended into a state of lassitude brought on by years of being beneficiaries of the ILT.
You are all missing the vital and fundamental point, it is about freedom of choice.
How much do the ILT pay themselves,
These are just a few questions that need answers.
In the short term, keep up the good work, and keep the pressure on.
Cheers John
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There is certainly the patronising attitude from the Trust that they know whats best for us - just like this survey shows - not! I still cant work out how to fill in their survey is 1 high or low? Are their 11 fields or 10? - its no more 'scientific' than this one eh Mr Mulvey. They are showing with all their resources (our money) that they are no better able to find out from the people what they want than this little 'unscientific' survey. How can their survey show any meaningful information when a simple folk like me cant even work out how to fill it in? Its a shambles, like everything else they do. I demand that you run a proper petition based on the findings in this survey. How much more evidence do you need that we want a change? You rock, ILT, just like your pubs and clubs.
Diane, Invercargill
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Are we all prepared for the potential of life without the ILT? It would be a pretty different Invercargill. Just imagine the restaurants...
Leanne, Invercargill
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Petes is the single most exciting response I have seen so far in this survey - Pete showing that the Trust must be feeling really concerned. Why dont they just work with us and the people running this survey? The Trust must have a deathwish.
jez, Invers
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The AGM was pretty much the usual sad collection of people slowly appearing more isolated, clawing for every sign that Licensing Trusts are not archaic impositions upon the people they are supposed to represent - and reiterating those few signs ad nauseum. Ignoring the growing upswell of ordinary folk who are sick of their noses in our trough and controlling us like puppets. Sorry that we have the audacity to say what we feel, Pete.
Shane, Invercargill
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And thus speak the ILT - keep up the good work, Pete. Doing wonders for the Trusts cause.
Jenny, Invercargill
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In reply to Pete, I was not able to attend the AGM due to family illness. What would be the point anyway ? The same predictable outlook and a mutual admiration society heaping praise upon itself.
If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always got, and Invercargill is destined to get what it has always got due to public apathy.
As for the cost of a trip to Winton, usually I go there not specifically to buy beer, but if I happen to be there or anywhere else that is not ruled by a nanny state, I take the opportunity to but some liquor in bulk. As for the cost, it doesn't matter, you can't put a price on freedom. You, like so many others have missed the point, it is not negative to want to change an outdated system that belongs in the 1930's, but positive, I would have thought.
Cheers John
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Oh dear, poor Pete, one rattled man methinks. You obviously are affiliated to the Trust. This site is making positive Change. It easy to understand how the 'C' word is scary, but get used to it.
Gavin, Invercargill
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Well done! This still is the single biggest site for negative people in NZ. I'm glad you stick together. Take John for example... Can't stay away from having a shot at the ILT every second day. You sound like a flipping record. Why don't you get a life and try to say something positive for a change?.... Maybe you will find the good in something! Mr. Big town businessman and Kevin the "I'm going to the AGM man". I didn't hear you piping up last night! The other 150 people in the room would have loved to have heard you speak. If you want to make comment and make it heard try filling in the
questionnaire in the annual report better still stop the rhetoric and call up ILT management and have a chat. But no, your probably filling up the car to take a quick trip to Winton to buy your booze cheap that's a smart idea! I can see the photo now Petrol $15.00, traveling time $30.00, 6 pack of beer $10.00 Look on your face when you found out it cost you $55.00 absolutely priceless! Make sure you all have a really positive day.
Pete, Invercargill
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Found site through Invervegas site, there are a whole bunch of us students who didnt know about this survey, and will be linking them up to have their say soon - dont go away!
Chloe, Invercargill
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Did anybody go to the AGM last night? I couldnt make it at the last minute. What happened?
Trev, Invercargill
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This site lets us say openly how we feel - and its about time! The sooner we are rid of the Trust the better.
Jordan, Invercargill
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Just for the moment, put aside issues of whether the ILT is a good or bad thing, let us look at the wider picture.
Why would anyone want to stifle private enterprise with anything, let alone liquor, and replace it with nanny state which not only kills private enterprise, but which makes organisations in the community to become cap in hand beneficiaries.
This is a daft notion which only a Kiwi socialist could have thought up.
Let us step outside the square and do away with the ILT and other similar organisations once and for all. Come on, I thought New Zealanders were made of sterner stuff. How can you bring yourselves to be beneficiaries of the ILT.
Cheers John
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The times have changed in the town and the Trust has not. It needs surveys like this to show just how out of kilter they are. Surround yourself with yes men and you get yessed right out the door in the end. Keep up the good work, Talking Shop - you have our vote and support.
Stevens, Invercargill
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I am ambivalent about the Trust and their performance - certainly its nice to see that (some) of the money filters back into the community, but I know how much gets spent for example on expenses paid tours of hte country. You really have to think its a license to print money and they don't do it very well. There doesnt seem to be a single bit of real humility in them. It looks like the guys running it are all arrogant town old-boys who must be irritated that this whippersnapper site should suggest asking the people what they really feel. Undoubtedly one of the overwhelming impressions that visitors (or not) to the region get is that nightlife is just so 'dead' and without any real vibrancy or much that is special. Maybe us Southlanders get what we deserve? If any of my investments or companies made such a poor return on what is basically a monopoly, heads would roll, costs would be cut and probing questions would be asked. Eventually, accountability would be expected, and in the prolonged lack of delivery (such as we have seen) - would exit! Have you noticed that, although they have already dictated what new pubs we will have, they are now asking us how they should spend our money! My colleagues and I have absolutely no doubt that this is as a result of this site and survey. They owe you big time. And so do we! Bravo!
Name with held. Long time Invercargill businessman.
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How do they want us to spend their money? Not on advertising how kind they are to us.
Simon N, Windsor
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Long time looker, first time poster. Thanks for site. The ILT are advertisng thier survey in the Times now. More money wasted. Lets prove we dont just grumble, but do act, lets make it happen.
TD. Newfield
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Had to have a look at this site, I have been to a few places recently where people have mentioned visiting this survey and site, and seeing that they share many of the sentiments voiced here. Most would sign a petition, no problem, as they feel the town is being held back - in lots of ways. Its an embarrassment to us to keep looking like hillbillies.
Sally, Clifton
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In reply to John T. Have you not been reading the previous thread of comments?
It is not a matter of whether the ILT is good or bad, and NO the people of Invercargill do NOT need to change.
You like all the other supporters of the ILT have missed the point. It is about freedom of choice and not stifling legitimate business initiative in order to create a nanny state. Wake up !!!
Cheers John
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I dont see why we cant have a good Licensing Trust, I think it could be really good for the town, but it just isnt. Maybe its the people who need to change?
John T, Invercargill
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Just reading a previous comment regarding the fire alarms. It would appear that the ILT has somehow got hold of a job lot of inferior fire alarms and are palming them off to unsuspecting citizens of Invercargill in order to appear to be seen as generous philanthropists.
I wonder how many other so called generous donations are in fact just a cheap PR exercise in order to win over gullible people.
Once again, you are all missing the point. No good the ILT doing some good some of the time, we want freedom of choice and for private enterprise to be uninhibited.
The ILT is nothing more than an extra form of taxation, and takes away private initiative to replace it with a nanny state.
Cheers John
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Would the Invercargill population more benefit from having toilets at the Rugby Grounds or a having Cycle Dome.
The Cycle Dome must be brilliant for the 2 dozen people that use it a month, yet if you go and view an internatioal rugby match in Invercargill there is an extreme likely hood of being arrested for peeing in a public place as there is never more than 8 porta loos to share between tens of thousands????
If we wanted to start a business catering for the public then we need to provide one toilet facilities for 4 people, different rules for council bodies???? What a joke.
Alex, Invercargill
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My wife and I just completed some alterations to our home which involved having to get the council to sign off the work carried out.
On the arrival of the inspector, he informed us that to get any alterations signed off, we had to have an approved fire alarm installed. "No probelm" we said, as we had the fire alarm that the council (with the funding of the ILT) had supplied every house hold in Invercargill. "Sorry but those alarms are not permisable and have to be replaced with other types that have a hush button."
What a waist of money, to supply evey house hold in Invercargill with the incorrect fire alarms, not to mention how dangerous.
Now we have to go shopping for a new fire alarm to have our permits signed off. What a waste of money and a joke.
Alex, Invercargill
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I have never bothered going to an ILT AGM before but i will this time.
Kel, Invers
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I'm glad to see the survey news reports you are not planning on going away just yet. Good stuff.
Karen, Rosedale
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The ILT reinforces and perpetuates the generical rut Invercargill is stuck in. Their myopic and biased regulations are hindering a more culturally diverse Invercargill, further degenerating larger New Zealand’s views on Southlanders as being backwards, isolated and over parochial. Invercargill’s entertainment and dining scene is currently a smorgasbord of deja vu's - battered blue cod and chips, pop music, quantity over quality; passed off as 'Southern favourites' when in reality our restricted market has no alternative. Yes the ILT does contribute to organisations that would have
otherwise relied on self-funding - but just because there are some positive results does not override the breach of fundamental principles underpinning our society. Principles such as fair competition, entrepreneurship and autonomy are being conveniently buried beneath rhetoric concerning an almost token generosity considering ILTs overall profit versus donations. The ILTs current business framework prevents alternatives to effectively
exist. Even if an independent hospitality venture does have high demand, it cannot compete with the fiscal advantages of the ILT monopoly. I say lets deregulate our unfair hospitality industry and let the people of Invercargill be actively involved in shaping THEIR entertainment and dining environment, thus enabling a more richly different and diverse cultured setting.
Joel, Avenal
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In most companies, poor financials would mean something would be done. Like reducing costs. Is there no - one to demand better performance from them? They should have a wage freeze for all the staff, for example. In the real world this is what happens. Get real - lets get rid.
Ver, Rosedale.
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OK, if you want to keep the fire burning, here is something else.
To all Invercargillites who support the ILT and have said that is "our way " of doing things, I would say that to assert that you are right and the rest of the world is wrong, is about the third or fourth sign of madness,
I higher ranking sign of madness is to live in a closed society.
The ILT does some good, some of the time, but this is far outweighed by your loss of freedom, and you can't put a price on freedom.
Lets get rid of these insidious parasites once and for all.
Cheers John
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Hi again oops sorry, my earlier post was supposed to read 'In the Times today its says the ILT are having an AGM - general public invited - 730pm on Tuesday 12th Sep at Elmwood gardens - i reckon its gonna be worth going...' forgot to put the time. hey - is there some watchdog that monitors the Trusts performance. Like shareholders do - and we are shareholders i guess. Maybe we should form one. For sure they need to be accountable. The return is too poor. Give up the reigns.
Steve, South City
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Its a bit rude of the Trust to use your results - '43% unhappy with how they spend our money' to have a survey like yours of their own. Hope they paid for the priviledge.
Bob, Invercargill
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Yep keep an eye out for national interest in Licensing Trusts.
Gavin, Invercargill
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I see things are happening with the town eh.
William, Gladstone
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No Way John, this Survey should run and run till we have some justice - and we will do the things you suggest.
Kevin, Invercargill
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This survey seems to have run its course, no point in sending in more comments. I think I have said enough.
What I would suggest is, that each and every one of us sends in our opinions to the ILT"s own copy cat website, paid for with your money I might add.
Tell them where to stick it.
As an interim measure, please do not but your liquor at the ILT's booze barns, buy in bulk when you go out of town for a drive.
Don't go to the ILT's establishments when you go out of an evening, they are only suitable for rugby playing oafs and adolescents.
If you go for a meal, go to a restaurant not bullied by the ILT, try entertaining at home, at least you don't have to associate with riff raff.
Cheers John
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Unbelievable, the ILT actually have have a motel in Christchurch. I just whent to their survey and they are offering a free night in their motel in Chch, th eAshford Motor Lodge. I had no idea. How can they do that?
Jen, Invers
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Poor old ILT, problems in gambling, not making much money, its pubs closing and now this site which they haven't been able to strangle. It will be great whn we finally give them the heave. I bet they are worried about their pensions and retirement schemes...
Name withheld at request, Invercargill
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I see the Trust has quickly cobbled together a survey of its own! They are asking how we want to spend our money check it out http://www.ilt.co.nz/survey.html Once again they are making it seem like we are really priveliged to be able to contribute. Its also looks as if they are taking advice from this site and survey: 'The Trust is owned by you, the people of Invercargill, and so you should have a say on where the proceeds are best used.' Too little too late, doods!
Hen, Invers
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This site is just trouble-mongering. The Trust is a vital part of the town and dates back a long time, why change that. Sean, Central Invers
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Surely this survey has run its course now, whats the point of carrying on?
Len, Invercargill
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According to my friend at TV3, the whole country
seems to be taking an interest in their various few remaining Licensing
Trusts at the moment - this is interesting, as, like the feedback in
this site, many areas report growing discontent with some of the
mechanisms used for revenue collecting, the Trusts actual financial
performances and the antiquity of the processes. Some Trusts appear to
have their 'noses in the trough', running up huge expenses and
delivering poor returns. Many have developed business interests outside
of liquor and outside of their geographical areas. It would seem there
will be more developments... Very interesting site, Talking Shop.
Gavin, Invercargill
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1. Does alcohol cost the same in Invercargill as in other comparable towns? no
2. Do you believe that Invercargill has the right mix & selection of entertainment in its pubs & clubs? definitely not its all for rugby headed morons
3. Do you understand how the Trust is structured and its legal mandate? no
4. Should alcohol be available to purchase in Invercargill supermarkets? of course it should why should Invercargill be the one of the only towns that control where and how we spend OUR money
5. Are Invercargill pubs and clubs safer than those of other comparable towns? yes good work allied security
6. Do you believe that there is fair competition in the hospitality industry in Invercargill? fair - that word and the mafia aka ilt shouldn't be used in the same sentence no competition makes greg mulvey a happy boy
7. Are you happy with how the ILT spends your money? not one bit
8. Would 650 people be employed in the region by the hospitality industry in the absence of a licensing trust? there would be twice that if people could have some freedom
9. Do you support Talking Shop to initiate a referendum to determine interest in maintaining the Invercargill Licensing Trust in its current form? abolish the ilt enough's enough heads need to roll we need young creative people running our clubs not geriatric old farts that have no idea whats really happenin
Sean, Invercargill
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Gambling problems in the spotlight again - I almost feel sorry for the Trust.
Simon N, Windsor
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In the Times today its says the ILT are having an AGM - general public invited - on Tuesday 12th Sep at Elmwood gardens - i reckon its gonna be worth going...
Steve, South City
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Man I bet the Trustmanagement and board are spewing about this. Surely they have learnt their lesson? We reckon you should ask the non ILT pubs and restaurants to help with money for the petition.
Steve SOuth City
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Theres one thing the ILT does have - allies in all the people it spoons our money to. They may vote against any changes.
Tom, Invercargill
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No way the ILT can ignore a proper petition - sweet as.
Bern, Invercargill
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Good to see it in the paper again this morning - i see the times still has its head up its XXXX or its fingers... Send me stuff to get signatures - i will get heaps.
Jez, Invers
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I had heard about this site - searched msn and found it right away! certainly something needs to be done about this towns nightlife - shes a shocker. Theres just nothing special - the independent boys try so hard - and the ILT places just get it so wrong.
Gill South City
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Looking forward to the petition - bring it on. Steve, Gladstone
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Sure this site only reaches some people, but a petition will access heaps more - we are having a proper petition John - its happening soon - hang on!
Gordo, Invers
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This website and chatroom is all very well, but it only reaches those with computers, and those who have taken the trouble to seek out the website.
I suggest that phase 2 of the operation be that you print and distribute sufficient flyers to cover the city, and do a mail drop,
What about trying to get a debate organised for screening on the local TV channel.
Why has the Southland Times not picked up on the story, my guess is that they don't want to upset the ILT, for reasons best known to themselves.
Cheers John
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Yeah well we know their financial performance is poor - so whats new.
Den, Invercargill
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And now flat profits expected - please just put our money in the bank! Leave it a alone! You cant give is decent pubs and aren't earning much money for the town. Stop spending it on jaunts around the country, also.
Kev, Invercargill
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Good to see this isnt losing momentum - moving on to the next stage
Bob, Invercargill
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I would like to see the Government do about removing organisations like the ILT.
Our government had no problem with forcing Telecom to face competition from other phone companies to "unbundle the loop" as they call it.
Similarly the ILT should be made to face competition from other outlets such as supermarkets.
If the ILT's cause is genuine and they have the support they claim to have, then the two could run in parallel.
It would reduce the amount of profit that the ILT collects, but they would need to be more selective in who they dole money out to. Able bodied sports groups should get the chop for a start. More money could be used help those in society in genuine need of a hand up, as distinct from a hand out.
Better still, let's get rid of the ILT altogether.
If a petition comes my way, I will sign it.
Cheers John
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I am happy to help with running a request for a petition. Please email me if you decide.
Ian, Invercargill
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Yeah good on ya uptown boy! Lets have a change! I voted for referendum!
Paulie, Invercargill
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'Uptown', i applaud your courage and honesty and take my hat off to you that you would risk your Job for the sake of "Free Speech". As i know a guy personally that wrote an article in reply to the I.L.T's Mr.Mulvey comments concerning a certain: "21 Shots". And he lost a contract he'd had for about 5 years as he had the guts (Or Stupidity!?) to sign his name to a document he wrote, even though Mr.Mulvey agreed with his comments in another article to the "Southland Times"!? Monopoly is a powerful weapon when its being used to try and stifle the opinions, or in that particular case the facts as they were.
I hear what you are saying and respect your views totally but the mere fact that we are here sort of tells me that the 'Mulveys, Muirs....etc', just don't want to listen to the public of Invercargill. And that is why it is time for a change.
You have my vote to Axe!
Livi - Inverz
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The mere fact that we have such a thing as the ILT exists, is indicative of the New Zealand way of thinking. I don't know of any country on the Planet that would go to the trouble of setting up a monopoly, just so that the community could be mollycoddled by a nanny state.
Not only does the ILT have this monopoly, but they rob able bodied sporting and cultural groups of any initiative to roll up their sleeves and earn some funding. Far easier for these groups to write a begging letter to the ILT rather than get their hands dirty and raise some funds.
Where are we going with this survey ?
Is this going to be just another method of public moaning, or are we going to initiate some action.
As an interim measure, how about not buying your booze at the ILT's barns, and go somewhere else for an evening out, rather than go to an ILT establishment that only caters for adolescents. There are alternatives. Once again, I say, Open your eyes !!
Cheers John
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