THE LIQUOR QUESTION.

Taihape Daily Times, 2 November 1917, Page 4

THE LIQUOR QUESTION.

STATEMENTS 3Y MINISTERS.

WELLINGTON, Nov 1. A statement on the licensing legislation was made in the House to-day by the Prime Minister who said that during the excitement at the time of passing the early closing clause, he and the Finance Minister expressed the opinion that something would have to' be done to put matters on a satisfactory footing Reports had appeared in the Australian Press that New Zealand proposes next session to decide the licensing question by a bare majority. This war -•ot what had been stated here. CauiUet -had been unfortunately unable to do more than keep abreast of the session's business, but during the recess it would be its duty to consider the matter, with the object of placing before Parliament next session pro?-"°als to place "the licensing question on a more satisfactory The suggestion of the bare majority vote was not intended to apply to the licensing question considered triennially by the people, but to proposals made by the National Efficiency Board for continuance of national prohibition with com-

pensation. Sir Joseph Ward said that he recognised the country had not reached the ' end of this" great and difficult problem. As; Finance Minister he kept clearly to the ptfsition of opposing everything which would cause a reduction -of revenue €> having also in view the fact that his' constituency carried continuance, and, except for communications from a. few clergymen, they had not s ked him to change his attitude.. The country would have to consider the question as a difficult problem still to be solved.