Two-Issue Ballot on Licensing Poll

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 76, 21 June 1927, Page 1

Two-Issue Ballot on Licensing Poll

MR. YOUNG’S PROMISE HAMILTON WOMEN’S PETITION Answering a deputation which presented a petition signed by 2.070 women electors, the Minister of Health, the Hon. J. A. Young, at Hamilton, yesterday declared his opposition to the State Control issue remaining on the licensing poll ballot paper. He also did not favour preferential voting and said he was pledged to oppose any axtension of the time between the polls. THE petition was presented by r. * large deputation, consisting of j representatives of the Women’s Christ- ; ian Temperance Union and sym- | pathisers. The petitioners sought t« | have the licensing ballot paper re- | tricted to the two issues Qf national continuance and national prohibition, and opposed an extension of the period between the licensing polls. The Rev. H. G. Gilbert introduced the deputation. Mrs. Jones (District President of the W.C.T.U.) solicited the member’s support in eliminating State purchase and control from the ballot paper and confining the voting to the two straight-out issues. The speaker dwelt on the evils of drinking, which had increased. not only with young men but with young women, many of them in the higher social circles. Mrs. O. Morgan (President of the Hamilton East branch of the W.C.T.U.I endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker. Her comment was supplemented by that of Mrs. S. Craig (district secretary). MINISTER FAVOURABLE A very sympathetic hearing was given the deputation by Mr. Young, who stated that in accordance with his pledge given at the last election, he would support them in their efforts to secure a two-issue licensing poll and oppose any extension of the period between the polls. The 1926 Bill was introduced but shelved by Parliament owing to the pressure of Imperial business. on the understanding that it would be reproduced this session. The Prime Minister would be introducing a Bill, but probably would not include a clause dealing with the objects of the deputation, which would attain its end in having the question discussed when the Bill was before the House. Dealing with the preferential vote which might be introduced in the question, the Minister stated emphatically that he would never lend his support to a movement to declare votes invalid when a second preferential vote was not exercised. “Theoretically,” proceeded the Hon. J, A. Young, “the State con* are entitled to the right to vote, but on the small vote recorded it only wastes time and confuses the issues to have 'State Control and Purchase' included in the ballot paper. “I would rather,” he continued, “see the present licensing system endure than have State control. If State control is wanted, why not try out prohibition first and then fall hack on that issue.” From his observation of social conditions, drink only created misery, criminality and poverty. It was impossible to forecast what prospects there were of obtaining a twoissue ballot paper, but his own deductions from an analysis of statements made were that the deputation’s object would meet with success. He cerainly subscribed to their view.