THE LICENSING LAWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1917, Page 1

THE LICENSING LAWS.

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING. (l?er Press Association.-—Copyright.) WELLINGTON, July 20. A deputation representing the business and farming people of the Auckland district waited on the Prime Minister to-dav to advocate the six o'clock closing of hotels in tjie interests of national efficiency. Mr. .Massey replying, pointed out tliat New Zealand’s share in the war meant* very heavy financial considerations, and it as absolutely, essential that financial matters should be disposed of first. One of the first Bills to he introduced would bo a Bill dealing with the matter in which the deputation was interested, and lie hoped that it would be satisfactory to them and to the people of the country generally. ATTITUDE.'OF THE ALLIANCE. WELLINGTON, July 20. In-view of rumours regarding a proposed compromise concerning the hours of closing liquor liars, the executive of the New Zealand Alliance'passed a resolution drawing attention to the signatures of over 180,000 electors attached to petitions before Parliament and reaffirming the demand that six o’clock closing is the absolute minimum of reform. -Failing the enactment of ’six o’clock closing, the Alliance urges a referendum on the question of national prohibition, to have immediate effect and to remain in force during t he period of file war and demobilisation. LIQUOR TRADE INTERESTS. f : ■ WELLINGTON July 21. . ' A deputatiiu of liquor trade interests waited on the Prime Minister, Hon. Her dm an also being present. ' Air. A.E. KernOt, President of the National Council, representing all liquor interests, said they were opposed to further restrictions He stated the agitation wus a breach of faith, in the • light of the contract after last poll. The restrictions imposed last year resulted ,in a reduction of 2d per cent, of hotel business. The ttade was unable to hear the dual sacrifice of shorter hours and anti-shouting, whipli would mean ruination to fhe majority, but to meet 'the exigencies of the position lie proposed. -c- • (1) To repeal anti-shouting regulations. -i ■ (2) The curtailment of hours for. the war and six months thereafter, to between 8 a.m., and 9 p.m/. /. , (3) 'The/trade" would bear the loss entailed thereby without requiring compensation. If a further curtailment was requisite as a national necessity, flic trade should be compensated. Mr Caldridge, President of the Licensed Victuallers Association said further restrictions would make it difficult for hotel-keepers t<> meet their financial obligations, entered .into following the 1914 poll. Shorter hours would drive the trade into illegitimate channels. The proposals were not neeessaiy to win the war, as New Zealand was not a munition area. The Savings Bapk record showed there was no scarcity for regulations l'or economy purposes, and the crime statistics showed, a reduction of offences for, the war period. Mr S. J. Gibbons for the country licensees, said the restrictions would make it impossible to maintain, their standard of comfort. Hen. W. J l . Massey in reply, said the other side os placed by the deputation, would receive consideration. He believed Parliament would have to reconsider the whole licensing question so as to get rid of the agitation from year to year. The British Parliament committee had reported in favour of State control. Personally be was" not enamoured of State ownership, but if if would be a solution of the difficulty they would have to consider it. ,