Manawatu Herald. [(Established Aug. 27, 1878.] TUESDAY, MAY 81, 1904. Newtown Licenses.

Manawatu Herald, 31 May 1904, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. [(Established Aug. 27, 1878.] TUESDAY, MAY 81, 1904. Newtown Licenses.

A few days ago it was cabled from London that the appeal of the brewers against the decision of the New Zealand Courts with reference to the Newtown licensing question, had been upheld. Except to the immediate members of the “ Trade ” the result is not gratifying. After the verdict of the Supreme Court in favour of “no license,” the majority of the people thought that the matter should now be allowed to rest; but the brewers had too much at stake to let it drop, and by carrying the case before the Privy Council, they have at length succeeded, on a legal technicality, in getting the* judgment of the New Zealand Courts reversed. Prom an unbiassed point of view it certainly seems strange that after both Colonial Courts should have given a decision in accordance with the statutory enactments of the colony, that such decision should be quashed, merely because four Privy Councillors, with but an imperfect knowledge of New Zealand law, express a contrary opinion. Lord Halsbury and his colleagues are no doubt very able and learned men; we would not question their ability for a moment ; but having no practical experience of the workings of colonial legislation, it is decidedly unfair that their opinion should be allowed to outweigh that of Sir Robert Stout and his fellow judges; since the latter by reason of their long and constant acquaintance, must be more competent to judge of matters relating to New Zealand legislature, than the learned Privy Councillors who recently reversed their decision. In matters of this kind it would be far better to refer the question to the electors a second time, and let the ballot box settle the difficulty cheaply and quickly,

and without the expense, delay and often unsatisfactory results that follow on an appeal to the Privy Council. Our country is famous for its advanced legislation, but it is evident that our licensing laws have not kept pace with the times; and we hope that Mr Seddon’s Bill of next session will go further than his last effort, in remedying the defects of our present system. At all events, any measures proposed for the purpose of amending our licensing laws should be carefully considered; for the sooner the necessary changes are made, the sooner will the possibility of an amicable settlement of the Liquor question become apparent.