GOOD TEMPLAR DEPUTATION

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2129, 20 December 1880, Page 3

GOOD TEMPLAR DEPUTATION

[Bt Tsmgeaph.J A ora OWN eOBBBSPONBBNT.] WELLINGTON, December 18. The “ Poet ” gives the following report of the deputation from the Grand Lodge of New Zealand 1.0.G.T., which waited on the Government in reference to the licensing laws. The deputation consisted of the following representatives : —Bros. Dr. Thos. Eoseby, L.L.D , G.W.0.T., J, W. Jago, D. and Cameron, secretary, Dunedin ; Efford, J.8.V.T., and F. Buckland, Christchurch ; B. J. G. Dixon, Wellington ; J, Barnett, Leeston ; E. Sando and G. W. Andrews, Ashburton: J. E. Webb, Lyttelton; E. G. Allsworth, Wanganui; D. McGregor, Hokitika ; J, Stead, Invercargill ; J, E. Gibson, Nelson ; and G. M. McDonald, Alexandra. The deputation was introduced by Mr Levin, M.H.E.. The Ministers present were the Premier and Minister of Justice. Dr. Eoseby pointed out that while a good deal of importance was justly attached to the reform of the law affecting the sale of intoxicating liquors, much more might be done towards the mitigation of intemperance that at present obtains if the existing laws were more stringently enforced. Sunday traffic was carried on in a most open manner, and at a former deputation to the Government the publicans freely admitted the fact. The police too, were well aware of this. He admitted that there was a difficulty in sheeting home offences of this kind, but this arose from the provisions made for proving the case. The sale of drink to children and intemperate persons was the cause of much evil, and appeared to him to be preventible. Dr. Eoseby mentioned that recently the Victorian Government, on being waiaed upon by a deputation relative to Sunday liquor traffic, replied, that the Government were about to appoint a new Superintendent of Police, and only such a person as was willing to undertake the strict enforcement of the laws in this respect would be appointed. With regard to the local option provisions in the Bill of last session, these had given very general satisfaction, though they would like to see the provision extended to existing houses, so as not only to check the evil, but to diminish it. The Premier said that until the system had been tried, and public opinion was stronger in this direction, Government could not promise to go further than local option regarding new houses. Government were as anxious aa anyone to check intemperance, and ho mighttake it upon himself to say that instructions would be given to the police to strictly enforce the present provisions of the licensing law. This appeared to satisfy the deputation, who thanked Ministers and withdrew.