LICENSING MATTERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 33, 30 May 1914, Page 5

LICENSING MATTERS.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER.

[Per Press Association.] Invercargill, May 28

Mr Massey received a deputation from the No-license Party urging upon the Premier the necessity for having the promised Licensing Bill introduced early in the session, and suggested that in the event of national prohibition being carried the time elapsing before it came into operation be reduced from four years to one year. The deputation also pointed out the Magistrate’s decision in the recent liquor case, police v. Coleman, proprietor of tiro Club Hotel. There had been a good deal of indignation in uo-license circles in connection with the matter, and there was likely to be ah appeal. Should the Supreme Court uphold the judgment delivered in the lower Court they suggested that the law be amended. The Prime Minister said the Licensing Bill would be introduced early, so that every member would have an opportunity of expressing his opinion on it. Every member was pledged to a certain course of action, and the Bill would have a fair and a strong run. Referring, to the question of lapse of time, he stated that if no-license or national prohibition were carried, there would be a very ■ Important change in the finance of the country, and he referred to the reduction that would follow in the revenue. Four vears might he too long, but anything less than two years would not he reasonable. As to the recent judgment -eferred to, the Government could not interfere with it, bvft after the appeal had gone through the Supreme Court the Government could, if necessary, introduce legislation with reference to the 'Actr.n