THE "MODERATE VIEW."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 38, 4 July 1914, Page 5

THE "MODERATE VIEW."

OUR LICENSING LAWS. Wellington, Friday. In view of the fact that the Prohi- , bitionists 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 wellknown citizens to bring before the Prime Minister the views of the moderate section on this matter,

At a meetng 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. E. Monteath, 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 witli the former, and on the other hnr.d it was their opinion the system .under which the manufacture and sale o*' alcoholic beverage;;, was at present conducted wah open, to considerable improvement. It was felt fo>' 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, tiic Moderate .section were awakening to their responsibility in this matter, and would probably "make amends for the past 'inaction by taking a vigorous stand against legislative interference with legitimate personal freedom). It was certain that suggestion for future legislation on this matter .should no longer be left to the two extremes, one influenced by apparent prejudice and the v other 'by pergonal advantage, and calm judgment should be brought to bear or the subj..".'t in the interests of the whole community.