The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, DECEMBER 19th., 1921 LICENSING REFORM.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1921, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, DECEMBER 19th., 1921 LICENSING REFORM.

Thf. spocinl committee set up by Parliament to report in regard to licensing reform may be expected to bring down suggestions for important amendments to the law. Tt is too late for any tangible results at the present session, and Mr Massey evidently expects little more than preliminary consideration of tile question, but it is not unlikely that for next session a report formulating the basis for important amendments will result. One 'of the matters for special consideration will bo that relating to the frequency of licensing polls. Apart from questions of economy, there are other reasons now suggesting that local option polls l .should be at longer intervals. This is necessary in order to give more sacuro tenure and so enable the travelling public to be better catered for in the matter of accommodation. It has been made plain of late that the hotel accommodation within the Dominion is not equnl to present requirements and as population is increasing an improvement is necessary. Enterprise is held in check by the fact that with polls every three years there is not the security of tenure to warrant a large expenditure in rebuilding. The requirements of the law are now a strain upon resources in the matter of the standard of accommodation required, and if the large improvements demanded are to be maintained there must be some elasticity in another direction to give owners of property some reasonable protection fur Itlie heavy tests they arc put to from time ( to time in keeping their premises up-to-date. The extension of time between polls is a reasonable request to mu ’ if the position is to be fairly met. This aspect is recognised by advocates of prohibition, who believe that while the trade is legalised it should be efficiently maintained, and 't'o ensure 'that there should be greater security for

tenure. The postponement of the polls to rarer intervals will time be a leading feature for consideration when tin’ Committee gets to work. Just at present the Prime Minister has made it clear that the country wants the revenue it derives from hotel trading. AS a result of tin; customs and excise duties that income ' will he increased enormously, making it more necessary still to retain the trade. A year hence the financial position can he reguaged, but with primary products at present prices, it might he necessary to consider deferring the licensing poll to avoid running the risk of an effective prohibition vote. The Committee, now being set up will be afforded a good deal of inside financial information as to the state of the Dominion finance, and no doubt the position will be fully weighed. Other matters of reform will no doubt he brought up. Air Massey lias stated licensing fees are to lip reviewed with a view to placing tlreiri on more equitable conditions, so that as at present, hack country towns, will not have to pay the same fees as in cities and populous places. In Western Australia considerable reform in ibis respect is contemplated, and the, proposals there will no doubt be | considered in the light of their application to New Zealand. Tin- question of bout's is likely to tome up for review, but a material change under this head is not probable. Apart from no license issues it is a long time since the ! law of innkeepers was revised, and | the present proposed action is really overdue.