EARLY CLOSING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1574, 8 July 1916, Page 3

EARLY CLOSING.

PETITIONS TO GOVERNMENT.

RECOMMENDED FOR FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION.

Consideration of the petitions in favour of the (5 o’clock dosing of hotels was concluded hy the M. to Z Petitions Committee on Monday, and the recommendations were laid before the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. The report was as follows: —

That this Committee, having considered the evidence given on the anti-shouting and (5 o’clock dosing jietitions, recommends the National Government to pass anti-shouting legislation similar to that passed by the British Government. The Committee recognises that the shortening of hours for the retail sale of liquor during the war period would undoubtedly lessen drinking, and so contribute to the financial strength of the Dominion and the physical good and efficiency of the people. The Committee therefore recommends the prayer of the petitions to the favourable considera-

tion of the Government. On the recommendations coming up for discussion hy the House, they were “talked out.”

Although the recommendations of the JVI to Z Petitions Committee in favour of anti-shouting and early closing of hotels were “talked out” in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, it is safe to assert that the last has not been heard of the proposals, says last night’s Post. The members of the House of Representatives who favour the (i o’clock closing project arc already bestirring themselves in the matter, and this morning several of them waited on the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey) and placed their side of the question before him. They pointed out the numerical strength of the members who favoured the recommendations, and urged that further steps should be taken in the direction of meeting the wishes of such members. The interview was of a private nature, but it is understood the Prime Ministerreplied that he would place the deputation’s representations before Cabinet at an early date. He made it clear that he did not commit Cabinet to anything whatever.