SIX O’CLOCK CLOSING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1728, 21 June 1917, Page 3

SIX O’CLOCK CLOSING.

SIR JOHN FINDLAY FAVOURS IT. CABINET SHOULD DO ITS DUTY. Hastings June It), Replying at great length to a big deputation, armed Avitli a petition hearing over 3, 000 names, urging G o'clock closing of hotels, Sir John Findlay, M.P., wholly committed himself to give his strongest support to the curtailment of the hours for selling liquor. Stating his attitude on the licensing question generally, he said he favoured a 55 per cent, majority, hut the times Avere ■abnormal. After most serious thought, and consultation Avitli those best able to give reliable information, and using his observation as diligently as possible, he had definitely conic to the conclusion (hat hotel bars should lie closed at G o’clock in (be interests of public avolfare and national efficiency during' the great struggle. He said the courageous example of Great Britain surely was one that was eloquent of the necessity for New Zealand taking a drastic step also. Sir John Findlay quoted the example .-el by the Australian Slates, lie slated that the chief obstacle is the altitude of the present Government towards G o’clock closing, as disclosed by the Ministers’ voting when the proposal to shorten hours avus before the House last year. “If,” he said, “the will of the people by an immense majority demands G o’clock closing, Cabinet is hound not In resist that will, and if it cannot see its way to give legislative expression to it, its proper duty is to give place to a Ministry which can.” Referring to compensation by the Stale, he said this was out of the question, lint lie thought the loss should he fairly divided betAveen the licensee and The landlord in the Ava.v of a readjustment of rent. He would make no distinction between clubs and hotels, and Avould support G o'clock legislation with all (he persistency and ability at Ids command. MEETING AT WANGANUI. Wanganui, June It). At a public meeting of citizens held to-night motions Avere carried demanding the Go\ - ernmenl to introduce legislation to reduce the hours of sale of liquor from S a.m. to G p.m., and also to make provisions for taking the tri-ennial prohibition poll in December next, or an immediate referendum on prohibition during the'war and the period of demobilisation.