TELEGRAMS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 16 October 1913, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[l'Elt I'RKSS ASSOCIATION.] LICENSING LEUINLAT lON. Wellington, October .15. A large deputation representative of the New Zealand Licensed Victuallers' Association and tho wholesale and ret nil trade geiierally was introduced to Ihe Prime Minister by Air J. JJotlard, M.l\. this evening. Mr Bollard said that the deputation was desirous of main la in-, ing the present licensing law unaltered, and favoured the refention of the three-fiftlis majority ou all issues as a margin of safety and security. Every electorale was represented in the delegation. Mr J. Ueveridge road a lenglliy statement, in which arguments against the 55 per cent, and hare majorities were elaborated. They deemed it inadvisable, no! only from their own point of view, but from the standpoint of the country, that any change should be made in the existing law, and I hey reminded Mr Massey thai Ihrce years ago he had declared against any reduction of three-fifths majority because it had secured stability. Mil MASSEY\B UKI'LY. Mr Massey, in reply, said he had received a number of deputations on this subject, commencing with a deputation from the trade asking for legislation, and suggesting an alteration in the avuv of putting the questions on the ballol paper. Since then others had asked for reduction of the majority required for local or national prohibition. To these deputations lie had not been able to say positively whether legislation would be introduced during the present session or not. It would not be fair to.liis colleagues if he said so at the moment, but he would say that in the case of legislation being introduced this year or next session, it would not be considered a party question. Each member would be expected to vote according to the pledges he had made, and the understanding he had with his constituents. The end of the session was approaching, and the Ministry would very soon, probably within a week, make public its decision. "We expect to finisn the session about the end of November. If ■we decide to" introduce lisensing legislation during the present session, our decision will be made known in a few days. ' In view of what has taken place he could not give them any definite answer whether legislation would be introduced, but their representations, which would be conveyed to Cabinet, would be given consideration.

NEW POLICE BAidJACKS. Wellington, Octobe'' I~>. It is reported that the Theatre lioyal site and the building erected thereon have been sold by J. Fuller and Sons. The site is a municipal leasehold, which was recently renewed by the City Corporation on condition that a new building should be erected. The present sale is of tlie goodwill of the lease and the old theatre building. The Club Hotel is not included. It is understood that the Government is the purchaser, and intends to use the site for the erection of up-to-date police barracks. TIRED MAC. Wellington, October [5. At the Petone Magistrate's Court, Patrick John McCorniack was charged with a breach oi the Masters and apprentices Act, in that he had absented himself from Government employ without leave. The manager of the Petone railway workshops gave evidence that he had failed to attend to the duties as set out in his indentures. The l)r. McArthur, said i't was evident McCorniack did not desire to work. He would be dismissed from the Government service and his indentures cancelled.