House of Representatives,

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1888, 9 July 1888, Page 2

House of Representatives,

July Ist, 1888. Dear Mr Leadley,^I quite agree with you that all places m which intoxicating drinka are sold, should be under the control of Licensing Committees, but m order to this it would ba necessary to bring m a Bill to amend the Licensing Act, which indeed requires amendment m many particulars. The Bill which I havein charge is limited sololy to the one question of the mode and time of election, and the clause you suggest would not come m within the scope of i's title. An ill-advised attempt was nude to add a clause m Committee widening the franchise so as to include all adults. This 1 approve of m principle, but the only way to carry it would be to bring m a Bill for the tpeoial purpose. The attempt to add it to my Bill resulted m a count out, I have one slender chanca of bringing the Bill on again this session, and only on-, whioh I mean to try, with what result remains to be rfeen. I will advise you to urge the matter on the Government with a view to their introducing next sassion a Bill to amend the Licensing Act. Very truly yours, Wm J. Steward.

Wellington, July 2nd, 1838. Mr Georgo W, Leadley, Dear Bir, — I received y our letter of the 22nd ult. yesterday, enclosing a resolution re all places where intoxicating drinks are retailed. I beg to assure you that I agrao with its intention entirely, and will be glad to do what I can to support any amendment m its direction. At the earn o time there is a difficulty about Clubs whioh requites special oare being taken m regnrd to them. Yours faithfully, W. 0. Walker.