LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 83, 4 October 1895, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, October 3. The Council nut at 2.30. lh<n P. Buckley moved the second reading ot the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Con Tv 1 Act Amendment Bill. He said that personally he thought that Prohibitionists had not taken the best course in their action in regard to the liquor question. Hon. Pharazyn considered the principle of local option most unjust and tyrannical. The whole measure from beginning to end was a mistake, and would require considerable amendment in Committee. Hon. Ormond hoped to see the Bill so amended as to be as little mischievous as possible. If total prohibition were carried in the Colony the loss of revenue resulting would throw the Colony into a state of utter chaos. He strongly objected to holding the licensing poll and general election on the same day. Hon. W C. Walker believed that b.y holding bolb ejections on the same day it would prick the bubble of prohibition and show how small and insignificant were the fanatics who were trying to ruin New Zealand. Hon. Rigg could not countenance pro hibition in any shape or form. If it were carried the loss of revenue would ruin the colony, as land could not bear any more taxation. Hon. McLean said he had always favored temperance legislation, but at this measure he would be compelled to call a halt. He objected to the continual tinkering with the question of prohibition. Hon. Sir Geo. Whit more thought the provision allowing prohibition in the colony should be excised from the Bill. What was wanted was proper police con trol over the publichouses, and proper supervision of the drink sold. Hon. Stewart said that already there j was a slight reaction setting in against prohibition agitation in the colony, and he was satißlied it would never be at tamed. Hon. Dr Grace said that prodigious machinery to check a vice that did not exist was qmte unnecessary. Hon. Jenkinson hoped that the dates of the elections would not be separated, as in that case the voles of moderate drinkers would not be cast at all. Hon. Shrirnski was entirely opposed to the Bill. Hon?. Ken.-, Bolt, Bowen and Macgregor also spoke on the Alcholic Liquors Bill, after which the Fecond reading was agreed to on the voices. The Council then adjourned.