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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5479, 18 October 1878, Page 2

The Native Licensing Bill has just been introduced iu the House o£ Representatives by Mr. Sheehan. It is now somewhat late in the session, but that is the now fashion; . dent do anything to-day that you can possibly put off until next week;” keep everything hung up and “ under consideration. Business will get itself done thus in time ; the people must wait. The new Native Licensing Bill gives the Governor power, on petitions from onethird of the adult male or female residents, to proclaim a “locality,” and to define its boun-

daries. Ha may constitute a “ locality” also upon petition of ten chiefs and principal natives of the settlement in a district proposed to be made a locality. The natives in such district must number at least two to one of the European residents. No town or borough can bo Included in a “locality.” A committee of natives shall be elected in every proclaimed locality, who, guided by Orders in Council, shall administer the new law. The committee may make by-laws and impose penalties-not exceeding forty shillings for breach of. such by-laws; and they may punish drunkenness or riotous and indecent conduct by intoxicated natives in their jurisdiction. Other offences must be tried before the regular Courts. When a locality has been proclaimed all public-houses therein are to bo closed, and the sale of intoxicating liquors to a native is prohibited there under a penalty of not leas than twenty or more than one hundred pounds. The Governor in Council makes regulations for the election of the committees; for the suppression of drunkenness ; for the sale, removal, and disposal of intoxicating liquors; or the roatrictjon of such sale, removal, or disposal. The existing Ordinance and Acts are proposed to be repealed. They have been inoperative always. This Act will, we fear, have no better fate.