MODERATE LEAGUE I CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3152, 2 August 1917, Page 8

MODERATE LEAGUE I CONFERENCE

EFFICIENCY BOARD'S REPORT

DISAPPROVED

THE LEAGUE'S PROGRAMME

A conference* of delegates from tlio Provincial Branches of the New Zealand Moderate League was lield in Wellington yesterday, Mr. D. M. Pindlay, president of the Central .Executive, presiding. Dealing with the report of the Efficiency Hoard, as published yesterday morning, the- following resolution was' carried:—

"That this Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Moderate League, having considered the report of the National Ji'luciency Uoard on the liquor inquiry, as published in the Press, expresses its strong disapproval of the recommendations contained therein, and ronews the league's protest against the constitution of the board and tho maimer in which the inquiry was conducted. The leaguo further holds that as the Efficiency Board (consisting of five members) has declared for Prohibition regardless of the fact that 257,442 of the electors of the Dominion voted for continuance ac tho last poll (being an actual majority of 10,225)), any recommendations inado by the board cannot be regarded as proposals for true temperance reform, but must be discounted as being put forward by men who have given no consideration to the rights of the moderate public and who aro plainly working for complete abolition. "The league further is dismayed to find th.lt a board primarily appointed to promote national efficiency and economy in war-time, has recommended the holding of a. liquor referendum which would result in a deplorable division of the people, an unwarranted expenditure of public money, a wasteful diversion of energy, and a complete disorganisation of the ordinary affairs of the country, Which is contrary to the express declaration of the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, in answer to a deputation from the league in 1915,. in which he stated that ho did not think tho time was opportune for the purpose of holding a Commission of inquiry, the whole of tno attention of tho people of this country being given to the war, and that to do anything in this way at present would lie, in Es opinion, to strike a discordant noto. . . , ' "Tho leaguo is further of opinion that a fair decision could not ha arrived at under existing conditions in tlfis country,, and in view of tho fact that so many of tTio moderate electors aro away lighting at the front. "That this conference strongly nrges Government that a competent Royal Commission of Inquiry, consisting ot men who are unbiased and not committed in nny way, should be immediately set up to thoroughly examine the whole liquor question in a constitutional manner, with a view to bringing forward proposals for comprehensive and permanent temperance reform." The league's policy witu reference TO tho particular question of hours of salo was discussed at length, and the following manifesto was approved:— "1 That this Conference of branches of the New Zealand Moderate League views with grave concern tho continued division of tho people on matters connected with the liquor question at a time when the efforts of all parties should be united in the supreme duty of carrying on New Zealand's part in the W ""» That the Moderate League has consistently lield, ?nd now reaffirms that the conditions in ISew Zealand do not instify' restrictions of hours on the grounds advanced of military necessity, national efficiency, or economy. "3 That the Moderate League approaelicd the Government in 1915 with a programme of competent licensing reform tat was met with the declaration bj tho Rigbt Honourable the Prime Minister that it was not opportune or proper for Parliament to be asked to. deal wnh such a universally'controversial subject during war time. «<4 That in the opinion of tns conference tho weaknesses, and undesirable features of tho licensing lawsi_ of iSeu; Zealand are duo to tho fact that they have in the past been framed on representations and compromises made'by the two extreme parties, without regard to the views of the moderate public. _ "5 That any drastic steps taken in the direction of a restriction of hours as a temporary measure for war time only are not justified, and would be evil in effect, as evidenced l>y the police and military authorities and those who hayo a practical knowledge of tho manner m which alcoholic .liquors aro purveyed to the public. . "6. That the British system of restriction us applied to the munition areas, which is justified on military grounds that do not exist in New Zealand, recognises the principle of supply during hours of relaxation and permits the bars to be open in the evening and on Sundays also. "7. That this conference, therefore, while deprecating piecemeal legislation, being desirous of seeing a settlement of tho deplorable divisions of tho contending parties in the country is prepared to deal with one portion of tho league's programme of reform now, and advances its original platform regarding hours of salo as a measure of permanent temperance reform, viz., that the opening hour of licensed bars bo 10 a.m., and that a break bo made in the hours of evening salo by closing for one hour between iKofj p.m. and 7.30 p.m., re-opening until 10 p.m., such alteration to hold good and to be incorporated in tho Licensing Act as a permanent amendment.

"S. 'fiat in order to consorvo the unity of the Dominion in this time of rational effort, no licensing issues be again submitted to the peoplo until at least 12 mouths after the declaration of jieacc." Various matters connected with the future activities of the league were discussed, and it was decided that conference should wait upon the l'rime Minister as a deputation to place the league's views before Government. Arrangements were made for the Primo Minister to receive the deputation this morning. Visiting delegates expressed their appreciation of the work being carried out by the Central Executive, and a '-'ote of thanks to tho president for presiding conffuu'cu' its proceedings.