NO-LICENSE FIGHT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 96, 6 December 1911, Page 6

NO-LICENSE FIGHT.

LIGHT ON THE HAMMOND-RED-WOOD QUARREL. MR. HAMMOND’S POSITION. (Per Press Association.) Dunedin, December 5. ' The following telegram was despatched from Dunedin this morning to Archbishop Redwood, Wellington; “We most respectfully reiterate that in an interview accorded with the editor of the ‘Tablet’ we made it emphatically clear that nothing had been said or intended to warrant even the faintest suspicion that we, who' were responsible for the exemption clause as regards sacramental wine, ever purposed or would consent to annul it.— (Signed) R. B. S. Hammond and G. B. Nicholls.”

SOUTHERN “DRY” DISTRICTS . STILL FIRM. THE REFORMERS BUSY. Dunedin, December 5. Bruce, Clutha, Oaraaru, and M.ataura will remain -steadfast to their belief in the advantages of Prohibition, but Central Otago and Wakatipu will maintain their “wet” attitude. The Prohibitionists are making a strong attack on the outposts of the Trade by means of rallies, no-licenso meetings, in which university students are taking a leading part, and stirring addresses from the Rev. Hammond, of Sydney, who has a most effective manner on the platform, and by local clergy. Though the Trade disavow all connection with Saturday’s proceedings, there is no doubt it was an organised attempt by larrikins to prevent the Prohibitionists speaking in the Octagon, and the meeting broke up in confusion, Mr. A. 8. Ad?ms ’wing to accept police protection to Ids borne. The Trade have wisely- refrained from repeating tits tactics rd; « . :d at last election, and c'~Grc j them solves to lavish use of advertising sm.ee in the local papers. There will be a heavy vote in South Dunedin, which is a s;mrr/a i onsing constituency, but a majority for continuance is auticirmted.

In Dunedin proper everything points to the silent moderate vote controlling the situation and retaining the status quo. Neither will Port Chalmers revert to dryness. On the other hand, Oamaru will remain dry by an increased majority, which result is anticipated both in Bruce and Clutba. Mataura, it is expected, will give a decisive vote against Dominion Prohibition.