LICENSING BILL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19164, 22 November 1927, Page 8

LICENSING BILL.

ALLIANCE OPTIMISTIC. BILL MAY BE RE-SUBMITTED. During the session of the Assembly of the Presbyterian Chureh of New Zealand yesterday, a deputation from the New Zealand Alliance was receiv- i ed, and prior to the remarks of the tirst speaker a telegram was read from | the Prime Minister, this being in reply j to a telegram sent from the Assembly j last week. The telegram irom the ■ Prime Minister was to the effect time j he thanked the Assembly for its views on the Licensing Bill, which won d have his careful consideration. (Laughter.) , . iiu! Mr Charles l'odd, speaking on beliuif , of the New Zealand Alliance, thanked | the Presbyterian Church ior the lino work it had done in the cause of Pro- | hibition. The Church was lour-square to the wind, and practically unanimous in the cause. The speaker asked members of the Church to continue the work until a victory could be claimed, and the speaker hoped that that day would not be far distant. "You will be anxious to hear of the progress of the Licensing Bill through the House," he added. "I. have been there during the post two weeks, and have heard the views and splendid discussions of the Prohibition supporters. There was Trade in the lobbies, and it was thick. The liquor people brought in all their powers heavier than ever. They have the money to spend, but I believe the Bill will be re-submitted at the stage at which Parliament dropped it. (Applause.) 1 expect that it will pass the third reading. If not, the onus is on tho Prime Minister. I do not wish fo judge him. If not, the question is: Is the Prime Minister going to rule New Zealand or not? The Prime Minister brought down the Bill loaded heavier than ever against us. We would have to poll 20,000 more votes than last time, for the 5545 clause meant 22 per cent, loaded against us. Surely the votes of the gentlemen in this room are equal to the loafer around the bar! Prohibition is worth a trial on the bare majority, and if it fails, out with it on a bare majority. Wo have been asked to compromise, but the Alliance will not compromise, and we pray for the guidance of the leaders iii the movement." The secretary. Mr Editiond, was putting up a big fight in "Wellington for Prohibition in the country. The Rev. J. F. Coursey made a strong appeal for support for tho Prohibition cause, and said that the most beneficent statute ever introduced was the G o'clock closing. He was optimistic enough to think that the ebb of the tide against Prohibition was only temporary. Tlie speakers were accorded a vote of thanks by the Assembly. AN AUCKLAND RESOLUTION. (PRJSS9 ASSOCIATION TtLBGRAV.) AUCKLAND, November 21. A large gathering of Prohibitionists in the Town Hall, arranged by the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Alliance, the Hon. Mr Fowlds presiding, unanimously passed a resolution respectfully, but urgently, requesting the Prime Minister to ensure Parliament this session an opportunity of a full and free consideration of the Licensing Bill, and the enactment of such legislation as it shall approve.