THE LICENSING PROPOSALS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 506, 13 November 1909, Page 3

THE LICENSING PROPOSALS.

Christchurch, November 12. The complaint of certain wine and spirit merchants in Wellington that they had not been consulted in regard to the agreement arrived at between representatives of the Trade and the New Zealand Alliance in regard to the nature of the licensing legislation to be introduced by the Government this session was brought under the notice of the Prime Minister, who said he could not say anything in regard to the statement, as he had not been connected with the negotiations.

“ So far as New Zealand is concerned,” Sir Josebh added, “if the true and legitimate test of the views of the people is desired on big questions, then clear and welldefined issues should be placed before them. It is exceedingly difficult to say what the outcome of the consultation of the people throughout the Dominion on the liquor issue will be, but, in my judgment, it is desirable that the opportunity should be given to come to a definite understanding. I noticed, however, the views expressed by a certain section of the Trade in Wellington and published in the newspapers to-day, and I should have thought that they would have been ready and willing to trust the people in order to enable the principles which representatives of large numbers of both sides have agreed to being allowed to stand as a definite basis for legislation.”