SIX O’CLOCK CLOSING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1732, 20 September 1917, Page 2

SIX O’CLOCK CLOSING.

A MONSTER DEPUTATION. THE PRIME MINISTER'S REPLY. Wellington, Sept. 18. A (Emulation consisting of several I thousand people met Iho Premier and Sir Joseph Ward in the Parliament Grounds alter Hie House rose at 5.30 pan. to-day, for the purpose ’ of bringing' under their noliee the demands -of the lemperauee parly and business men on (lie subject of six oVloek closing of hotels. The .■ sjtealeers were the Rev. Mr Small-*. A field (Auckland), Mr A, R. Atkinson (Wellington), Mr John Court (Auckland) and Air Holland (Mayor of Christchurch). Mr Atkinson coni ended that New Zealand was the only country amongst, the belligerents which had not done anything' to limit the liquor Ira hie. .Messrs Holland and Court declared that the business men of the Dominion wanted six o’clock closing, and would not be mitislied with any compromise. Mr Massey, in reply, said the position of the Bill before Parliament was evidently not. understood by . some of the speakers. It had not been introduced at the hour, but is the result of a promise given immediately after their return from Britain. The Bill was the most important measure of liquor reform ever presented to Parliament, and instead of the Government being blamed and abused they should rc-. eeive the thanks of the deputation and the people for their efforts in the direction of licensing reform. The gathering concluded with thq singing of the National Anthem and cheers for six o’clock closing. The second reading of the Liquor; Restriction Bill was moved by the | Prime Minister in the House on Tuesday, and passed its second f reading last night.