ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 167, 9 April 1919, Page 8

ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR

\ 'IF PROHIBITION SHOULD BE CARRIED.

The Hon. T. M. Wilford, Minister of Justice, has received the following telegram from the secretary of the Taihape Prohibition' Party:—"Lengthy advertisement in'local newspaper- states: Firstly, that in the event of rroliihition l>einu carried ond will not ! be able to brew or manufacture ginger-beer,'hop-beer, beer, wine of any kind, in one's home. Secondly, that the police will nave the"right, lo enter one's home to ascertain if such manufacture is going on. Thirdly, thai in case of sickness a fw will have to uu paid to procure a permit to obtain any brandy or wine for medicinal purposes. Would you kindly advise by return wire whether these slaternvTils are facts according to law?"

Mr. Wilford's reply is ns follows :— "Firstly, if• prohibition is carried all manufacture in New Zealand of alco. holic liquor is prohibited just as much in people's homes as in breweries and wine, vats. Wine is«certainly alcoholic liquor. Hop beer is probably the same; gingerly eirn cucnil is not. Secondly, tho police' could, if they suspected thai: an offence against; the ..licensing' law was being committed, obtain, a search warrant, just as they can in each case of suspected offenw against other laws. Thirdly, in case of sickness requiring alcoholic liquor for medicinal purposes, ihe matter of charge or no charge for such liquor depends upon regulations to be made under tho Act if prohibition is carried'. TJio Minister of Public has indicated that tho intention is In keep a supply for free use for medicinal purposes."