LICENSING MATTERS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14980, 29 May 1914, Page 8

LICENSING MATTERS.

DEPUTATION TO PRIME

MINISTER

(PRESS ASSOCIATION" TELEGRAM.)

INVJSROARGILL. May 28

The Right Hou. W. F. Masjey received several deputations this morning on local matters, and loft before noon by special train for Balclutha. One deputation, from the No-Licens-? party, urged upon the Premier tho necessity of having the promised Licensing Bill introduced early in the session, and suggested 1 , in tho event of national prohibition being carried, that the time elapsing before it came into operation be reduced from four years to one year. It also pointed out. in the matter of the Magistrate's decision m the recent liquor ca.se. Police v. V. Coleman, proprietor of the Club Hotel _ that there had *been a' gocd deal ot indignation in No-License circles in connexion with it. There was likely to bo an appeal, and should the Supreme Court uphold the judgment deliverby the lower Court, it suggested that the law.should'be amended. The Prime Minister said tho Licensing Bill would be introduced early, that every member yould have an opportunity of expressing an opinion on it. Every member -was pledged to a certain course of action, and the Bill •would have a fair and strong run. Referring to the question of the lapse of time, he stated that if No-License or national prohibition were carried, there ■would be a very important change in the finance of the country. Four years might be too long, but anything less than two years would not be reasonable. As to tho recent judgment referred to, the Government could not interfere with it, but after the appeal liad gone through the Supremo Court the Government could, if necessary, introdiuco legislation witV reference to the Act. -