THE LICENSING QUESTION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 70, 14 July 1914, Page 6

THE LICENSING QUESTION

DEPUTATION FROM CLUBS. [Pie Pees# Association.] Wellington, July 14. The licensing question and the proposed legislation dealing with the three-fifths majority were the subject of another deputation to the Premier (Mr Massey) to-day. The deputation, which represented .over forty clubs throughout New Zealand), with a membership of over 20,000, asked for the maintenance of the three-fifths majority. The speakers were Messrs W. Budson (Wellington), T. B. Williams (Wanganui), and F. Earle (Auckland). It was {jointed out that a deputation representing a large section of that moderate element in the community which was never given any voice in the proposal brought forward jby the Prohibition Party and The Trade,entereu a strong protest against the manner in which the amendments of the law were carried out splely between the brewing interests and the no-liquor party. The financial arrangements of the clubs had been based a good deal on the revenue from the sale of liquor, and great financial disturbance would result if liquor were prohibited, It seemed outrageous that a proposal should be put forward capable of destroying clubs as a social institution. Then there was the entertainment of distinguished strangers, and if clubs were to be swept away they would have a very drab life in the community. The Premier said that what the result of the Bill would l»e he was unable to say at the moment. There were differences of opinion even among members of the Ministry. When the Bill came up for its second reading he would present the views of the deputation to the House.