Document 36: Canteens near Bethelsdorp

3 May 1847

Memorial to Sir Henry Young, (Lt. Governor) from inhabitants of Bethelsdorp.

That memorialists have been informed that the present proprietors of a portion of the estate Perseverance situated on the High Road to Graham's Town at the Wagon Drift of Zwartkops River intend establishing a canteen at said place for the sale of wine and brandy. That being convinced canteens are prejudicial to morals any where, one in such a situation as the above named will prove especially injurious to the morals of many who constantly travel the road, they consider it a duty to bring the subject under Your Honor's notice. Memorialists conceive there are several weighty objections to the erection of a Canteen at such a place; the distance from Port Elizabeth being only 11 miles, and from Uitenhage 8 or 9 miles such an establishment is unnecessary. The injurious effects which would be produced on the labouring classes daily passing would be exceedingly great. As numbers of waggons employed in the conveyance of Government stores and goods for merchants are constantly passing, doubtless the canteen would prove a snare to many leaders and drivers, many would become intoxicated, and rendered unfit to proceed on their journey with their wagons. Memorialists believe that a canteen would not merely be a cause of detention to many wagons, but from the numbers who would meet together to drink much quarrelling, fighting and other disorderly conduct would take place. Leaders and drivers being unable to manage their teams the number of accidents on the road especially when the river is high, would be greatly increased. Memorialists beg also to state that there is no Police at hand whose officers might check any disorderly conduct which would undoubtedly arise.

Memorialists therefore most humbly solicit your Honor to take these circumstances into consideration and that it may please your Honor to direct that no Licence for opening a canteen at Zwartkops River drift be granted.

And your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray.

James Kitchingman, missionary & 55 inhabitants.