THE LOCAL OPTION BILL.

Evening Star, Issue 4168, 6 July 1876, Page 2

THE LOCAL OPTION BILL.

v m f? t 2?& of those interested in the liquor traffic was held in Watson's Hotel last evening, for the purpose of considering the new Local Option Licensing Bill. The President of the Licensed Victuallers' Association (Mr Godfrey Jacobs) occupied the cnair, andthe meeting was largely attended. a a AT !°£ moved » an * M r Golder seconded the following motion, which was carried unanimously-" That the conduct of Mr Stout, M.H.R., in introducing the Local Option Licensing Bill, without notice to bis con s ituents, is highly reprehensible." Mr J. Marshall moved, and Mr T Hancock seconded the following motion! which was also carried unanimously—" That the Local Option Bill is an unjust and tyrannical one, inasmuch as it makes no provision for compensation to those in the trade who may be ruined in its operation, and it seeks to compel the ratepayers, who may be. m the minority, to accommodate their habits to the will of those who are in the majority '* It was resolved, on the motion of Mr M Joel, that a copy of the foregoing resolutions be telegraphed to his Honor the buperintendent, with a respectful address that he will have the goedness to acquaint the other members of the House of their purport," The mover said the Bill aimed directly at their liberties as businessmen, and he could not see the slightest chance of its passing. They might just as fairly legislate to restrict the trade of tobacconists Nothing would more freely encourage slygrog selling than this Bill. Every grocer'a place of business would probably then become nothing more than a sly-grog shop. Mr Joel moved also, and Mr Marshall seconded:—"That the Committee of the Licensed Victuallers' Association be instructed to prepare for signature by the citizens a petition against the Local Option Licensing Bill. That the same be sent to his Honor the Supe*»tendent and Mr Larnach for presentation to the Assembly aa soon as practicable." This was carried. Mr Caheoll said he did not think the. Bill would be passed, but it might be amngled through the House if no noti'" " g * taken of it by the Association i? were tioned that petitions b 1„ " ** ""»* favored by Good Tei»-' lo ' i* a J°f of . BlU ? by children. -I?*** *»<* been signed on°the e rS tle^ en *""£« ex P»essed opiniona on ice matter the meeting terminated.