DRY LAW AT SEA.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1923, Page 2

DRY LAW AT SEA.

A QUEER SITUATION

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, -May 2. The decision of the United States that no liquor shall be permitted within the three mile limit is regarded in British shipping circles as fraught with grave consequences, among which is suggested the greater use of the Canadian ports by the big trans-Atlaimc liners.

The opinion at Southampton is that the only courso open to loreigu \ esscis is to dump their liquor stocks outside the three mile limit; but it. is potufid out that this measure would be oust inconvenient.

The decision will inevitably disturb the whole oc'v.t. passenger service between Europe tut' the UitP-'l Suites It is expected the Majestic will leave Southampton on Thursday with her usual liquor supply. It is stated that the Majestic requires for her round voyage eighty thousand bottles ol ale and stout, one thousand quarts and fifteen thousand pints of champagne, ten thousand pints of other wines, four thousand bottles of whisky and other spirits, and three thousand bottles of liqueurs. Liverpool strongly resents the American decision, and favours calling on the outward and inward voyages at some convenient Canadian port, to there discharge and reload the usual liquor supply. Other suggestions in shipping quarters arc to transfer the liquor outside the limit to the liners that are returnj n! r, or to run wesward with only sufficient liquor for the outward journey, returning dry. But difficulties uou! arise regarding the transfer of liquor in had weather, while there is an objection on the ground of the loss ol time, and the expense in calling at a Canadian port. Meanwhile the Government circles await an official intimation of the decisioii.

ENFORCEMENT AT SEA. WASHINGTON. May 2. Following a conference with officials Mi- Mellon (Secretary) issued a statement fixing June 10th. as the date after which no vessels, foreign or domestic, will lie permitted to bring beverage liquor within American territorial waters, although medicinal liquors will net be molested.

Mr Mellon admitted that such enforcement would he a. delicate mat tel siving that the regulation, under a decision of April 30th, affecting as it du-s the lights of Governments under international treaties, as well as the rights of American citizens, will require extraordinary care.