The Dominion. MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1918. THE LIQUOR PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 22, 21 October 1918, Page 4

The Dominion. MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1918. THE LIQUOR PROBLEM

It is now quite plain that the liquor question will have to receive the attention of Parliament during the coming session. The war has not stopped the agitation for Prohibition; which, indeed, has been stimulated by the stops recently taken in othev countries to restrict or prohibit the drink traffic. A large section of the people of New Zealand contend that Prohibition would make for increased efficiency , during the war, and would also do much to ensure a smooth, swift, and satisfactory transition from a state of war to a state of peace, Thoy believe that it would bo of great benefit to the country during the critical period of demobilisation! and that it would facilitate the prompt restoration of normal conditions. The people who adopt this point of vie-w will- not listen to the suggestion that the attempt to solve the liquor problem should bo postponed until after the war, and they take their stand bn tho recommendation of the Efficiency Board, which reported in favour of a special referendum to decide whether the liquor traffic should or'should not be abolished forthwith. The Board made the stipulation that if Prohibition were carried compensation should bo paid to those at present engaged in the trade. By accepting the principle of compensation the Prohibitionists have undoubtedly obtained the co-operation of a largo number of people who feel that the country would gain more than it would lose by the stoppage of the sale of liquor, but 1 have hifchorto refrained from voting for No-License as no provision was mado for compensating the publicans and brewers for the destruction of their businesses. The people who have taken up this attitude have now joined the Prohibitionists in the demand for a special poll at an early date, and the Government and Parliament cannot ignore the strongly expressed desire of such a large and influential sectjon of tho> public. Nor can the Government overlook tho fact that the proposed referendum has been recommendcd_ by a Board of business men which was created for the special purpose of advising Ministers as to what measures should be taken to secure increased efficiency for tho purpose of carrying on the war and of promoting the country's welfare in the period of demobilisation and reconstruction.

A calm and judicial weighing of 'the arguments for and against forces one to the conclusion that an extremely strong case has been established in favour of a referendum on the lines suggested by the Efficiency Board. The Government will find it very difficult to resist the demand for the introduction of legislation

during the coming session to authorise them' to take a special poll on the question. And if such a poll is to be taken it should be taken in such a way as to enable the country to give a clear and decisive verdict. The issues must be stated with all possible plainness. The voters must be given a, straight-out opportunity of declaring For or against the- proposal to wipe out the liquor traffic immediately and pay compensation. A confused and complicated ballot paper would probably mean an indecisive result and the indefinite prolongation of the struggle. Those who believe in State or municipal control," or who advocate any other method of dealing with the drink traffic, can vote against tho Efficiency Board's proposal. If Prohibition with compensation is carried the question' will be definitely settled. If it is not carried the way will be open for those who believe in State control to get that issub placed on the ballot paper for the next _ licensing poll, as tho whole question will be reopened, and Parliament will have to decide whether the old form of voting shall be continued or whether the country shall be asked to pronounce judgment upon some new issue. Tho matter which has now to . 1)6 decided is not whether the liquor traffic ought to be continued, or abolished, or transformed; but whether the country should be- enabled by a special poll at an early date to accept or reject tho solution proposed by the Efficiency Board. _ The principle that tho fate of the liquor trade should depend on the direct vote of the people has already been established in New Zealand. No brand new departure is asked _ for, though the compensation condition certainly introduces a new element of outstanding importance.; It-is understood that Cabinet will be asked almost immediately to_ announce publicly its views and intentions, and ifa answer will be awaited with great interest. If reason and justice are to be tho deciding factors a favourable reply to the request for a poll on the Efficiency Board's proposal may be taken for granted.