N.Z. ALLIANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1924, Page 3

N.Z. ALLIANCE.

DEPUTATION TO MR MASSEY. |)V TKLI'.GR.U’i! —I'ltf.SS ASSN., COt'YRIGHT. WKLbI.NGTON. May ’P. A deputation of about 100 members of the New Zealand Alliance, waited on the Prime Minister (Mr AY. 1". Alas, soy) 10-day to ask for various amendments of licensing laws ol the Dominion. Chief among the requests was that in future licensing polls two issues should he submitted to the people- proht nit ion or continuance. The deputation was introduced by the Hon. -I. B. Gow. AI.L.C. Other speak•?rs wort' Mr John Boyds. President of the Alliance, and the Rev. John Hanson. Secretary.

Opportunity was taken hv the Rev. Dawson to state that the Alliance was willing to allow people to have a further referendum on the liquor question alter prohibition had been carried. The Alliance did not say that once prohibition was carried the people would not have a further opportunity of voting nil the liquor question. AH Royds said that the Alliance felt that there was greater need now than over there was for the abolition of the liquor traffic, but wanted nothing dono until the people had first of all expressed their opinion and the majority tor a verdict given. Tn reply, the Prime Alinister said he would not say a very great deal at that stage, because he must consult his colleagues on the chief issues raised. He Itolievod that licensing legislation would come before the House in the coming session. So far ns the non roll was concerned, the proposal made rather appealed to him for lie thought there should Ik> a clean roll after every

He was favorable towards compulsory enrolment, hut- did not say that he would put it into the Bill this year, because he would like to examine the proposal thoroughly. He felt that the holding of the two polls, one fpr

Parliament, and the other for licensing on tho same day had a very detrimental effect on the election of tncmiliors of Parliament. It was his view that the liquor poll should he taken at a separate time from the Parliamentary elections. He knew tor a fact at the last election the country lost the services of many good men been use of tho two polls having been taken together. A lady: ‘‘lt would mean more expense.” Air Massey replied that the licensing referendum had been taken on special occasions during tho war. “There is one idea,” proceeded Air Massey, “that it is not necessary to have tho Parliamentary election every three years and that being the ease it would extend tlie time so far as the licensing poll is concerned, too. I won’t express any opinion on that. I will leave that to the Cabinet. I don’t intend to gixo you very much, and I will reserve my opinion until the matter comes before Cabinet. T know other people will come here in a week or two.”

Voice: “A different type, though.” Mr Massey: “Well, I won’t express any opinion on that.” (Laughter). ‘“They don’t represent tho same number of votes. Sir,” remarked anotner member of the deputation.”

“I won’t discuss that either,” replied Mr Massey. The Prime Minister addwl that he thought those who were in .favour of prohibition would admit that they had had a fair legislation, and a straight administration. Ho did not think that could he denied. “T only refer you to what took place in connection with (! oclock closing.” said Mr Massey, “f don’t know what I made .many froinds through it, hut tho proposal was mine, and I think a very large, majority of people would vote in lavoiir of the retention of six o’clock closing.” Air Massey, also said that he mil not think that he had made many friends during the depression, when it became necessary to double liquor duties. ‘Tt had to be done,” said Mr Massey, and when one sees his duty is quite clear, there is only one thing to do. and that is to go on with it. f am not going to toll you anything further this morning.” A voice: “What about the two issue ballot paper.”

Mr Massey: 'That is one of the questions I won’t pass my personal opinion about. Tt will he dealt with when the Hill comes before Cabinet, and before the Bill comes before the House. T know quite well (laughter) “there is more in it than meets the eye” as Kip ling says. In conclusion Air Massey thanked the deputation for “letting him off so lightly.” and said it was quite possible he would have the opportunity of seeing most of them bolore legislation was submitted to Parliament.