THE LICENSING LAWS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 13 July 1901, Page 4

THE LICENSING LAWS.

Proposed Amendment of the Act

Masterton, July 12. The “ Wairarapa Star” hears on excellent authority that an amendment to tho Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act is to be introduced this session. The measure provides for taking a poll on the date of the next general election on the question of provincial option. The boundaries of the provincial districts arc to be the same as the old provincial boundaries, and there will be nine districts in all. The three-fifths majority is retained so far as the carrying of prohibition is concerned.

The Bill provides for a referendum at the first poll to determine If subsequent polls shall be taken after five or six years. A bare majority is to decide this question. As for the Glutha district this is not to be affected by the provincial option poll until a three-fifths majority in ihe licensing dis'rict decide in favonr of licenses.

Licenses are not to bo granted in the King C matey until after the report ol the Royal Commission which is to enquire into the question. Provision is made whereby licenses may be granted by tho Colonial Secretary in tourist districts other than the King Country.

A number of important miscellaneous amendments are also proposed in the Act. The hour for closing hotels is fixed at 10 30 p.m. Magistrates are to be given discretion in tho matter of endorsing licenses iu cases of a conviction. Clubs are to bs brought under the Act as far as the sale of liquor and inspection are concerned. It is further proposed in the Bill that Club charters shall be issued by the Licensing Committee instead of the Colonial Secretary.