Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, NOV. 14,1896. Our Liquor Laws

Manawatu Herald, 14 November 1896, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 1896. Our Liquor Laws

* No candidate of a thirsty nature had better give utterance to too strong views on the temperance question as all members will be put to a severe test immediately on the assembling of Parliament. It will be quite possible for the colony to have a prohibited Bellamy's even if the inhabitants generally are not in favour of national prohibition, as the Amendment Act passed last year provides that in the first session of each new Parliament, on the fourth Tuesday after the Address-in-Reply has been determined, the Clerk of each House shall conduct a poll, at which members of such House shall vote on the question, " Shall liquor bo sold within the precincts of the Parliament Buildings during the remainder of the present Parliament r_» Aye "or " No." If the votes taken in both Houses added together record a majority of " No," then no liquor shall bo sold within the precincts of the Parliament Buildings during the remainder of the then existing Parliament. It will certainly be a refreshing' sight to watch the voting of the newly elected candidates on a question so closely allied to their comfort, and this may temper their consideration for the comfort and convenience of others. Every candidate who now stumps the country in favour of national prohibition must vote for 41 No " at the Parliamentary test or his position will be unfortunate. Therefore those who desire their brother's improvement more than their own had better qualify their advice so that a loophole may be left when called upon to offer a grand example immediately on Far* liament opening. We take this opportunity of draw- , ing attention to the fact that the "Trade" has been also shorn of two days revenue in the year from the fear our prohibitionist friends have that the settlors cannot reasonably conduct themselves when meeting together. The Act is more than a slight upon the people, but it may be of value as a guide to the pass which a section of the community are forcing us to, simply from tho want of recognition of the power they are obtaining from no contrary action having been taken. Thus on the day of the general election, and the day on which tho Licensing Committee is elected, no liquor is to be sold between the hours of twelve o'clock noon and seven o'clock in the evening, This pro- ' vision is not one which will be enjoyed by those who have a long ride or drive to the polling booth, but what consequenoe ia that so long as the " boozer " who has started at six o'clock in the morning and kept steadily at it till 11.55 a.m., does not get more drink till 7*5. p.m. ? Wonderful arrangements to effect the maximum of discomfort for the , minimum of good. The law has however to be obeyed and it is wise therefore to note it.