N.Z. Alliance.

Manawatu Herald, 19 December 1895, Page 2

N.Z. Alliance.

The secretary of the N.Z. Alliance is on a tour through the North laland and spent yesterday in Fox* ton. He addressed a public meeting in the Methodist Church last night under the auspices of < the Good Templar lodge. The Rev. Barnett presided. The attendance was not large, but a capital address was given. In a clear* calm, convincing manner Mr Field dealt with "the political Bide of the matter. The latest Legislation was discussed, and encouraging mention made of the growth of public opinion on the; Drink Question. The new Licensing^ Bill provided for,- a poll at the fcima - of each Parliamentary election on the three proposals that licenses continue, be reduced, be not granted, Each voter would have two votes and would vote for those proposal whioh were left unerased. Be hoped that all friends of reform would simply? strike out the first proposal on th> voting paper and then they would be -- giving a vote for reduction and also i for prohibition. A majority votoaii would carry reduction, but a threefifths majority was required for prohibition. He claimed that this., question should be settled, like other" national questions, by a majority vote. It was also very desirable that club charters should be brought . under the poplar vote. Several instances of the a&iCunt of money spent in drink in eluba tf£ re given.