The Licensing Question.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 309, 9 May 1894, Page 3

The Licensing Question.

1

THE HON. W. P. REEVES INTERVIEWED. [per press association. J Palmebston >outh. May 8. A large deputation of Prohibitionists, comprising the Rev. Mr Quintrell, Messrs James Grace (Palnierston), Jas Stubbs (Kairanga), J. C. Thompson and Shenr^r {Feilding;, Joe Dixon (Bunnvthorpe). V. C. Ransom (Campbelltown), and Reid (Sandon , introduced by Mr Fred Pirani, M.8.R., interviewed the Hon W P. Beeves on the question of the amendment of the Licensing Bill- The speakers highly complimented the Minister on his speech last night, and submitted a number of questions to him on licensing matters. Mr Reeves disclaimed any intention of speaking on behalf of the Ministry, but said his personal views were in favor of anlending last year's Act in the direction of reducing the number necessary to constitute a valid poll, and of making a minimum as well as a maximum number o! licenses to be reduced, but opposed the simple issue of license or no license being submitted, or of a bare majority being substituted for three fifths, or the poll taking place on the same day as the gene ral election, or the closing of hotels on election day. He urged the importance of decreasing the drinking habits by education, improving the condition of the working classes, and providing pleasures and recreation for those whose leisure was their temptation.