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Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1925, Page 2

Tun Licensing Deform Party and the Xo-Licensc Party, Ihrough their leaders, are having a good deal to say just no" through the newspapers as regard- possible licensing legislation. That there "ill at last he legislation affecting the licensing law seems assured. Xot only did Mr Massey promise it. but Mr Coates also. Likewise it is whispered that the Wellington Xorth seat was contested practically on the liquor issue. and it was the policy suggested by the Government candidal-.* "lii'-li found him so much last minute support, to the discomfiture of his opponents. Along those lines it is suggested to give licensees an improved tenure, with more breathing time in the event ol prohibition being carried. These are reasonable concessions on the lure ol it and carry with them the res; otisihility of licensees to improve the accommodation. But the no-license advocates are asking again for the elimination of the Stall* Purchase and Control issue, and this will In* contested by the party favouring lieensiig reform. 4he increased voting for the third issue justifies the demand and it "ill he difficult to ignore it "hen a study is made of the referendum voting over a period. The Government is entitled to consider the whole aspect as revealed by the voting over several periodsf rather than in the light of the recent poll. only. When ceiisidering the latest figures, the relative position of tin* I'niled States before the people must be considered also. That phase hoars specially on tin* third issue, lor the vote for Xtatc Control is in effect an admission that liquor he retained under Government control. It is a form of continuance which removes the many liabilities to abuses which arc said tn arise from license. That form of public opinion now that it is growing in volume must- needs have consideration. Tic* provisions of the amendments to lie made "ill tints excite a good deal of controversy, particularly as to the form of ballot paper.-, to he li-cd in the future, and the interval to lo granted between polls. The polling in the past justifies an extension i t the time, if licensees are to be expected to imprnt'c their accommodation reasonably. Indeed with a more definite (entire the obligation will he on the Licensing Committee to see that the full requirements of the travelling public arc met more adequately in the future.