LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
BREWERS' COMPENSATION VERSUS . INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS Sir,—With reference to the discussion in tko.Housii lust Tuesday on the licensing question, there are several points which I believe 'many, besides myself, would like to see taken up by a member whose voice carries weight. The points referred lo are in connection with the proposed compensation allowance to the liquor trade of 41 millions of the country's money, in lieu of four years' grace, in which to gradually abolish tire trade. Sow, the war has shown what can be done in the way of transforming old industries into something so remotely different to what they were originally that no sign of the old kind of work can now be seen.. It took Britain three years to put her house into.complete war order; hut in the first year very little was done in a new way, owing to the old conservatism, so that leaves two years in which marvellous changes were made. 'Now, tho point is: Why could not the liquor- trade be similarly converted into new channels in a like period of time,'- thus avoiding compensation and benefiting the country industrially? During .the session the desirability has been noted of promoting the manufacture of alcohol for burning in internal combustion motors; also the making of vinegar from apples. .As both potatoes and apples, grow well in New. Zealand wo have the materials for bolii these industries to hand. Also this Dominion of ours is well stocked with the natural deposits and ores, etc., used in tho manufacture of. many Valuable chemicals. With these three probablo industries there is given scope for converting many of the breweries in..New Zealand without causing unemployment of their labour complement. As the matter is more fully investigated other new projects will arise, which should eliminate the unemployment question from the liquor trade's point, of view altogether. ■ The i\ millions would, I think, bo better saved to the country; but let us say one million be spent in securing the services of highly-trained and efficient men, who have the most up-to-date knowlodge of tho industries mentioned as instruclors. This would ease the financial burden of the country by 3} millions. .Willi that nmount ; saved people would be more inclined lo pay'rates to electric power boards for tho utilisation of wilier power in the different districts, as outlined.by Sir William Frajer, in introducing his Power From Water Bill. AcCording to the proposition just outlined, compensation should not be paid to the liquor trade; but, in the event of Prohibition being carried, .giro -the brewers and their co-traders two .years, in which to convert their plants . under expert guidance.—l am, etc., ' ADVANCE. _
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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 62, 7 December 1918, Page 7
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444LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 62, 7 December 1918, Page 7
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