THE “MODERATE” VIEW.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 61, 3 July 1914, Page 5

THE “MODERATE” VIEW.

OUR LICENSING LAWS. '[ Paa Pbesm Ap.sooia tion . j Wellington, July 3. In view of the fact that the Prohibitionists and “The Trade” have been deputationising the Government with the intention of influencing legislation on the licensing question, a movement has been started by a number of well-known citizens to bring before the Prime Minister the views of the Moderate section on this matter. [ At a meeting held last evening, a deputation was appointed to wait on Mr Massey on Monday next and air the Moderate views.

Interviewed by a “Post” reporter subsequently, Mr A. S. Menteath, chairman of the meeting, said their views would be made fully public at the deputation. It was sufficient to say at present that they stood apart from both the Prohibitionist view and that of “The Trade.” They did not at all agree with the former, and on the other hand it was their opinion the system under which the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages was at present conducted was open to considerable improvement. It was felt for various reasons that the imposition of national prohibition would be fraught with disastrous consequences to the whole community. Judging by the tone of last evening’s meeting, the Moderate section were awaking to their responsibility in this matter, and would probably make amendments for the past in this action by taking a vigorous stand against legislative interference with legitimate personal freedom. It was certain that suggestions for future legislation on this matter should no longer be left to the two extremes, one influenced by apparent prejudice and the other by personal advantage, and calm judgment should be brought to bear on the subject in the interests of the whole community.