NEW LICENSING BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1927, Page 3

NEW LICENSING BILL

N.Z. ALLIANCE ATT 1111)1

(Bv Telegraph—l’er Press Association.)

WELLINGTON. Nov. 11. The New Zealand Alliance issues the follow ing statement: As it has been suggested in some quarters that the Alliance is not desirous of the Licensing Rill now before Parliament being allowed to proceed, because it contains some provisions to which the Alliance is definitely opposed. wo desire to make our position quite clear. The Alliance has> repeatedly asked the Premier to bring down a Licensing Bill, and to give it a fair run. The Premier lias given an assurance that Parliament will have every opportunity of reaching finality on the matter of licensing finality on the matter of licensing legislation this session. This statement we consider is entirely satisfactory. AY bile the Alliance is definitely opposed to some of the main provisions of the Bill, particularly the extension of the time lietween the polls, and the fifty-five per vent, majority, we are of opinion that members of Parliament should he given the opportunity of deciding these momentous issues in accord with the pledges given to their constituents at the last election It has licon stated that an attempt will ho made to kill the hill in the second reading. If such an attempt is made, the people of the Dominion will understand that such a move is dictated by liquor interests and not by those who are desirous of securing the two issue ballot paper, on the basis of a bare majority and who are opposed to extension of time between the licensing polls.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 12. The Licensing Trade has issued a statement to the effect that it is unable to support tile bill introduced by tlm Prime Minister. It objects to the substitution of the two issue, for three, and views with alarm the powers given to committees to compel a vast expenditure in alterations and improvements as compensation for the small extension of tenure from three to six years. It. takes exception to the inclusion ol licensed premises within boundaries of a no-license district, and opposes the withdrawal of the rights of electors In no-license district to record votes in favour of restoration, which, it thinks, may have been an. oversight, ft also condemns the practice of the Prohibition Party extracting pledges from Members of Parliaments as likely to prevent a free expression of opinion.

The New Zealand Alliance lias also issued a further statement denying it is not desirous of allowing the hill to proceed. "While opposed to some of the provisions it considers Parliament should he given an opportunity of deciding the issues involved in accordance with the pledges given by members. It. also disavows participation in any attempt to kill tlie hill on the second reading.

DISQUALIFICATION QUASHED. ('ll lIISTCITURC’H, Nov. 12. The Racing Conference Judges heard appeals by R. S. Bagby (trainer) and A. R. Parker (jockey) against disqualification for alleged corrupt practices in connection with the running of Rowley on November nth. and uphold them, stating: "We are unanimously of the opinion that the proceedings ol the Judicial Committee of Canterbury Jockey Club were irregular in important particulars.” The Judges, continuing, said:—We are of the opinion that any person .charged with an offence against the Rules of Racing, must have an opportunity. if he so desires, to bo present throughout the whole inquiry into his conduct. The whole of the evidence tendered to and considered by the Committee holding the inquiry must he given in the presence of the person charged, so that he may. if he is able, refute or explain that evidence.