EARLY CLOSING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2835, 28 July 1916, Page 3

EARLY CLOSING

FARMERS' UNION FAVOURS IT The curtailment''' of hotel hours and the prohibition of "shouting" were dis- ■ cussed by the Dominion Conference of the Now Zealand Farmers' Union in Wellington yesterday, chiefly on the ground of ei'ticioncy for tho troops. The conference decided in favour of confining the bar hours to the period between 8 in the morning and (i in the evening. "Shouting," also, was disfavoured. The subjects were introduced by Mr. G. W. Leadley '(North Canterbury), who moved:— "That this conference urges Parliament to pass legislation to prohibit "shouting," and provide for the clos- _ ing of liquor bars between tho hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. until tho close of the war, and for at least six months "ifterwards." Mr. Leadley said this was a timo when the greatest efficiency was needed, and this was proposed in the interests of national efficiency. Mr. A. MacKay (Marlborough):are you going to muster your sheep if you prohibit charity?" Mr. J. M'Queeu (Southland) seconded the motion. He thought we should stretch a point in the direction indicated. Ho regretted the attitude of the New Zealand Camp authorities. Mr. W. J. Birch (Martou) said ho was not a Prohibitionist, but, in the especial circumstances, he would support . the motion.

Mr. J. Bodilie (Tc Kuiti) supported the motion, on the ground of efficiency and economy. Mr. H. Booth CFeilding) said this would be a small thing besido the sacrifice Russia had made.

Mr. E. A. Trotter (Hawke's Bay) said it was a disgrace the way returned soldiers were taken into hotels in Hawke's Bay and "shouted" in a weak state of health.

Mr. G. Sheat (Dunsandel): When this ■was introduced at tho North Canterbury Conference it was moved and carried by men who were not Prohibitionists. Ue that said to their lasting credit. \ When tho vote was taken there was only ono "'Vo." •

A delegate: Only one "No"? Another delegate: A man named MacKay. Air. Sheat (quoting Harry Lauder): "Oh, my! Ye ought a' seen MacKay!" .A supporter of the motion: He's not the real MacKay!

Mr. MacKay: It's all very .well for you fellows here to pass these kind of things, but yon should think of tho men in the North Sea, who are keeping the enemy at bay, and who need a little stimulant. Mr. Sheat: I would like it recorded that there was only one vote against the motion^

Mr. MacKay: Yes, and,that Ms name was MacKay.'