LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 623, 28 September 1909, Page 6

LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY.

WHAT OP THE WHOLESiIE LICENSES? Some, weeks ago there was considerable perturbation, espeouUy, in. No-License circles, regarding the action of the Taumarunui Licensing Committee iii granting wholesale licehses in the King Country.' It was .considered that this aption amounted to a violation of a solemn compact between the Government and the Maori people.'.. What was "particularly commented upon was the fact that the licenses had been granted as a result of the chaivman (who belongs to. the magistracy) having given his deliberative and casting;-vote in favour of the proposal. Numerous requests were for. warded to the Go7ern.nent with a view to having tho matter; brought before tho Supreme Court, so that ".he licenses might if possiblo be quashed. - . -'. . . 'K . Upon, .investigating the validity of the grant of tho licenses the Attorney-General (Dr. Kndlay)'announced that, he'was satisfied that the whole question turned upon whether the area affected was Native land nt the .time of the issue'of the proclamation. The point should, he thought, be referred at once to the SurveyorGeneral for settlement. If they were not Native lands' at the time, then.it was quite dear that no Court could ■ disturb the grant of the licenses. If, however, the land embraced by the proclamation was Native .land at the date of its issue , then the licenses were granted ■ illegaUv, even if portions" of the'land had since ceased to be Native land. ■'. .- ■■• Questioned by, a.Doitusiou .'reporter yesterday as to the position in.regard to•th« r matter. Dr Pindlay said was found, upon careful investigation by tho Survey Office, that -at the time of-ttejssae of the the lands wherein the , , licenses were- granted- were not Native lands. In-view of'.that-fact proceetogs could not be token (as otherwise would certainly have been; the case) to attack the grant of thfi licenses'. ■ .- ■